The third annual "Elf Run" saw nearly 2,000 of Santa's little helpers compete in a 1km family run in aid of North East children's charities.
In a stark comparison to running around Santa's grotto, these elves were racing 1km around Gateshead Metrocentre.
This year, the event broke the world record for the largest gathering of elves in one place.
The record had previously been set on November 25, 2014, by Siam Paragon Development Company Limited, when 1,762 elves gathered in Bangkok.
It was announced at the Metrocentre, that this year's total came to nearly 2,000 participants.
Michelle Gavaghan, 36, Durham, attended the event with her two nephews, Brandon and Tyler.
She said: "These events are extremely important; every child deserves the best Christmas possible. All three of us loved it and being part of a world record attempt was an added bonus."
The family event, which took place on Sunday, December 11, cost £10 for children to take part, and £15 for adults.
Lyn Spencer, Marketing and PR for the Metrocentre, said: "It's estimated that the Elf Run raises £10,000 for regional charities."
Competitors were also encouraged to donate presents to families in need this Christmas.
The run was organised in aid of local charities, Sick Children’s Trust and St. Oswald’s Hospice.
Caroline O’Doherty, Campaign and Appeals Manager for Sick Children’s Trust said: “It means so much to us when people get involved in fundraising.”
The Sick Children’s Trust offers families with seriously ill children in hospitals a "Home from Home," so they can stay together and receive support.
The charity supported over 4,000 families last year, using ten "Home from Home," houses, but relies solely on donations.
She continued: “It costs the charity around £30 per night to support a family, so we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who chooses to fundraise for us.”
Charity members from St Oswald’s Hospice attended the event and carried donation boxes in order to raise more money.
St Oswald’s works towards improving the quality of life for people in the North East that are living with incurable conditions.
Elf Run also aims to tackle obesity by introducing healthy exercise as a fun pastime.
Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at Intu Metrocentre, said: "It's a brilliant way of making fitness fun for children and encouraging them to get active and "elfy," this festive season."
Upon completing the race, each runner was awarded with a certificate from Santa, a medal and a goodie bag.
The Elf Run's first year was in 2014, and was co-hosted by the Metrocentre and Eldon Square, Newcastle.
Phil Gray, managing director of Total Racing International, originally came up with the idea as a way of educating children on the meaning of Christmas and encouraging exercise.
Many families at the event had attended in previous years.
Lindsey Massie, 36, Whitley Bay, who attended with her three children, niece, nephew and friends, said:
"We did the event last year and we loved it. It really gets you in the Christmas spirit.
"I will definitely come back next year."
All upcoming events for each charity can be found at the following websites: Sick Children's Trust and St Oswald's Hospice.
