Thousands of runners in red and white costumes flooded the streets of the Hungarian capital on Sunday as the Santa Run returned for its 10th anniversary.

Organized by the Budapest Sports Office the fun community event along the banks of the river Danube is open for both adults and children to take part in.

Officials said around 4,500 Santas took part across three distances, which include the 900-metre (3,000 feet), the 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles), and the 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) races.

The event is also a true muliti-generational meeting with more than 15% of participants under 10 years old.

"It's very important for our family that we have a common experience, we make memories, we have fun together, and it's just a good preparation for the Christmas period,” said participant, Ádám Valent.

Organisers say they want the annual Santa Run to send a message that sport and an active lifestyle are also important in winter, for both the young and the old.

AP video shot by: Bela Szandelszky