Central Park was filled with Christmas songs and cries of "Ho Ho ho!" as the Farleigh Hospice annual Santa Fun Run got underway.
More than 700 runners dressed as Santa or one of his helpers ran, walked, jogged or danced their way around a 5km course to raise money for the Chelmsford charity, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
It was a moving sight as complete strangers cheered each other on, gave encouragment to one another when the going got tough and everyone who crossed the finish line got a round of applause.
The run on Sunday was a real family occassion with some parents carrying their tiny babies dressed as elves around the course and a few even jogged while pushing their prams!
Cars beeped and residents came out of their homes to clap and cheer on all the runners and even Santa himself, helped by the Rotary Club sleigh, made an appearence half way around the course to high five everyone taking part.
Can you spot your favourite Santa in our photo gallery? See more photos here
Video by Alex Robinson
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