Grey skies and the odd rain shower did not dampen the festive spirit for 150 red suited Santas who scampered around a sodden Village Green to raise money for impoverished children.
There was plenty of rain, but no deer, as participants made the most of the occasion to wear fancy dress outfits with a Christmas theme in the sixth annual 2.5km Great KidsCan Santa Run last night.
Rotorua was among 16 centres nationwide to host the event.
Men and women dressed as Santa Claus, sprightly elves, fairies and a sleigh pulled by 'helpers' went into the pool to win spot prizes for the best dressed and fastest male, woman, boy and girl runners.
First Santa home - and fastest Santa in Rotorua - was Damien Sellier. "That was awesome," he said.
Event director Shaun Collins said the Village Green course was designed to be easy to suit people of all ages.
"It's always a great event as there is no training required and it gets everyone into the festive spirit," he said.
KidsCan Charitable Trust began in 2005 with a $40,000 grant after reports of children going to school without breakfast, suitable clothes and shoes because families were unable to make ends meet. "We wanted to find out just how widespread children's poverty was and how it affected their ability in class," said Mr Collins.
KidsCan now support thousands of children in more than 350 low decile schools providing food, shoes, socks, fleece-lined raincoats and hygiene items.