The City of Norwalk kicked off its third annual Jingle Bell 5K and 1-Mile Elf Run at Calf Pasture Beach on Saturday.

News 12’s Angelica Toruno was there from the start all the way to the finish line.

"I don't run all the time but [my] husband runs and he's like ‘Let's do it, it'll be fun!’" said Cali Touloumes, of Norwalk.

About 200 people hit the pavement – many either bundled up or dressed as classic holiday characters like Rudolph and the Grinch.

"We thought we couldn't go wrong when we found this,” said Morgan Bermudez, of Weston. “We were going for best dressed today.”

Bermudez wore a Christmas sweater, which said "My sweater is uglier than yours,” paired with a green and red skirt resembling one of Santa's elves.

Everyone who joined in on the fun also helped their community reach fundraising goals for Norwalk students.

"The proceeds that we take in from this help for scholarships for our camp," said Diana Campbell, the recreation supervisor for the City of Norwalk.

The weather also got participants in the holiday spirit and ready to run even faster.

"I mean we couldn't have asked for a better morning for a race so we're really excited," said Cat Martone, of Weston.