Did you see a bunch of Santas on the run through town on Sunday?

It was the first Niagara-on-the-Lake Santa 5K Race and it attracted dozens of people dressed up like Jolly Old St. Nick racing through town, starting at Simcoe Park and taking the Niagara River Recreation Trail through the Commons and past Fort George up the Niagara Parkway.

It was quite a sight to behold, as red-and-white-clad people of all ages ran, white beards adorning their chins. Niagara-on-the-Lake photographer Dave Van de Laar was there to capture the moment.

The run was held by race and event management company VR Pro Inc., which has been hosting Santa runs for more than 10 years. The race also raises money for charity, with this year's run supporting the Niagara Furtniture Bank, Hamilton Food Share and the Niagara-based lunch program Community Crew.

The only requirement? Participants must dress in a full Santa suit, which can be purchased in a "race kit" along with the registration fee. All runners were also required to have a COVID-19 vaccine.

This year The Irish Harp Pub served as the "official host restaurant," where all race participants could stop in for a complimentary coffee and breakfast wrap. The awards ceremony was also held at the pub.