Participants run along Barnard Way during the 41st Annual Santa Monica - Venice Christmas Run on Saturday, December 15, 2018. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run is Los Angeles’ largest holiday running event and a great fundraiser. The Christmas Run was started in 1977 with 10,000 runners participating in the race. For over three decades, it has not only remained a highly popular local run but the event has become an integral part of the Los Angeles community during the holiday season. For many, the Christmas Run is the true start of the holidays. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5K and a 10K run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, California, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk. Many runners participate in teams with friends or family and many run or walk in costume. There is also a short kids race at the finish line. @Christmasrun