With the starting line marked “Ho Ho Ho,” participants begin the 2011 Santa Runs Tacoma 5K race, a satellite run from Kabul Afghanistan International Airport, Afghanistan, Christmas Day. Approximately 130 people from five countries participated in the run.

Winners of the 2011 Santa Runs Tacoma 5K race pose for a photo after the race, Christmas Day. From left to right are Cpl. Anthony Katambauk, second place, and Maj. Mark Baker, first place, of the United Kingdom, together with Altan Goyombo, third place, of Mongolia.

Many attached jingle bells to their belts, adding a musical element to the race.

Lt. Col. Scott LaRonde (far right), a Dripping Springs, Texas, native and Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier, gives participants the race route at the 2011 Santa Runs Tacoma 5K race, a satellite run from Kabul Afghanistan International Airport, Afghanistan, Christmas Day. LaRonde, who coordinated the event, said the race is a great start to Christmas in Afghanistan.