Thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus raced through the Spanish capital Madrid for the annual Red Cross charity run on Sunday (December 21) on the last weekend before Christmas.

The organisers estimated that more than 10,000 people, including children dressed as elves, took part in the 4.5 km run through the centre of the city.

One of the participants said the run was a way of passing on good vibes at Christmas whilst another said dressing up as Santa was a fun and "awesome" way to end the race on a high note.

The Christian holiday of Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and traditionally held from the night of December 24 through to the 26th.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

MADRID, SPAIN (DECEMBER 21, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS AND SANTA'S ELVES AS THEY WAIT FOR THE START OF THE CHARITY RACE

2. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS RUNNING UNDER FAKE SNOW AS SPEAKER ANNOUNCES START OF RACE

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RUNNERS, MARTA LOPEZ AND PAULA LOPEZ, SAYING:

"We came to Madrid to spend Christmas with the family, and we were really excited to take part in the Santa Run, enjoy a family activity, support the Red Cross, and let the girls see the beauty of sports while having a good time."

4. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE RUNNING AND WALKING DURING CHARITY RACE

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RUNNER, CAROLINA QUINTERO, SAYING:

"I think it’s an activity that passes on good energy and lets you enjoy and live the Christmas spirit in full"

6. RACE IN PROGRESS

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RUNNER, SUSANA GÓMEZ, SAYING:

"Well, it’s a great way to end the year—running a race dressed as Santa Claus is so much fun, and you finish on a high note, which is just awesome."

8. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS REACHING THE FINISH LINE

9. PEOPLE DANCING AND WAVING TO CAMERA

10. PARTICIPANTS DANCING AFTER THE RACE

11. PEOPLE DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS CROSSING A STREET AFTER THE END OF THE RACE