TORONTO - A pack of would-be Santas stripped down and paraded down Toronto streets on Saturday in an unusual effort to bring toys to hospitalized children.
Dozens of runners wearing red bathing suits and Santa hats dashed through the Yorkville neighbourhood in the seventh annual Santa Speedo Run, a charity race benefiting Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.
Spirits were high as the group shouted "Merry Christmas" and sang carols while darting between pedestrians and cars in one of the city's fanciest shopping districts.
Their enthusiasm withstood the chilly weather -- down to -2 degrees Celsius with biting winds.
"There's nothing you can do to prepare for (the cold), nor do you really want to," said Matt Freeman, one of the organizers and the designated "head Santa."
"The shock for the cold lasts for about the first minute and the camaraderie just keeps everyone warm."
The three-kilometre fun run raises money to buy toys and games for young patients -- more than $180,000 since 2005, not counting this year's haul, Freeman said.
The cheeky event typically draws between 50 and 120 runners, many of whom return year after year, he said.
It was Jason Avergal's first time, but the runner said it won't be his last.
"It was actually not that bad. Surprisingly enough, I'm actually not that cold," said Avergal, who paired his swimsuit with a fluffy white beard.
The group's website notes that aside from helping kids, the race gives participants a chance to "make a complete and utter spectacle" of themselves.
