Saturday morning walkers and joggers in Manhattan Beach might have been surprised to see scores of Santas strolling on the Strand. 

The "Great California Santa Stroll" was actually a 5K run/walk/roll between the Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach piers to benefit Mychal's Learning Place.

Inspired by a world competition to set the record for the most Santas gathered in one place at the same time, the event brought together more than 200 Santas and Santa's little helpers. (Each registrant received a complimentary Santa suit.)

The funds raised will directly benefit Mychal's Learning Place programs for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities.

Saturday morning's events began at the Hermosa Pier Plaza with words from Mychal's Place founder and director Ed Lynch. Angela Bennett of the Sea Sprite Inn (formerly of FitOn Studio) and friends led the crowd in a warmup. Then dozens of Santas took off from the starting line, bringing good cheer and holiday spirit for more than three miles. (By the time the running Santas had finished the first half of the race, most had begun peeling off their fuzzy costumes in the warm sunlight.)

At press time, the event had raised $130,000 of its $200,000 goal.