SANTAS looked after their 'elf on Saturday with more than 800 runners pounding the streets for an annual festive frolic.

The charity joggers earned their Christmas dinners and mince pies after completing the 2015 Santa Dash in Brighton and Hove.

Starting at Hove Lawns on Saturday morning, the runners – all dressed as Santa Claus – took on the 5km course in an attempt to fundraise for a number of charities.

One German participant swapped her native Weihnachtsmann for Father Christmas as she looked to settle into life in England.

Juliane Mueller, 28, has been living in the city since September for an internship and thought of no better way to learn more about English traditions than to get dressed up.

She said: “As I want to learn a lot about the English culture and I'm interested in everything what is going on in my current hometown, I said to myself, I don't want to miss the Santa Dash.

“And it was worth it. It was a lot of fun.

“Everybody was in a good mood and the atmosphere was brilliant.

“I’d definitely take part again next year if I can.”

Those taking part started opposite the Peace Statue in Hove and headed west for two and a half kilometres before making a u-turn back to where they had started.

John Gladwin, director of organisers In Motion Sport, said: "It was wonderful - our best ever in terms of numbers.

"It's the most fun event we do and I think the people of Brighton and Hove really got behind it.

"This weekend is the start of Christmas so people are in the spirit when they turn up and the come back year after year, which is great."

The Argus: Santa Dash 2015 gallery

Santa was not without his helpers, and a number of children and dogs in fancy dress completed the seaside course.

One of the many charities helped was Rockinghorse Children’s Charity with each runner representing the charity tasked with raising £50 each.

A spokeswoman said: “All funds raised will go towards special festive projects at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, including our Toy Box Appeal to provide poorly babies, children and teenagers with presents this Christmas.”