Santa elves run to raise money for kids in Vancouver

With only five days left until Christmas, a group of Santa elves took a break from their work on Sunday and went for a run in Stanley Park in Canada's coastal city of Vancouver.

Nearly 200 of them were here taking part in the first ever Big Elf Run, which aims to raise funds for a local children's charity.

Big Elf Run organizer Baxter Bayer said he enjoyed athletic events and charitable events. He thought it would be really fun to have a big elf run in Vancouver.

The event has partnered with the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, an organization that teams up young disadvantaged boys for activities and fun.

One local blogger and runner, Gord Kurenoff, said the number of charitable runs is increasing in Vancouver, and he comes to every one of them.

"Vancouver prides itself on being a healthy community, and I know our mayor would like us to use less vehicles, so there's a lot more walking, a lot more running. We're the home to some great amazing athletes for the Olympics who train here," Kurenoff added.

The event will collect toys, clothes and funds for young people in Vancouver. But for some others, the run was simply about having a good time and a pleasant Sunday in the park. Endi