Russians brave icy lake for Christmas swim

Passing cars beeped their horns at the dozen or so runners, who jogged alongside the lake for approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) in fake white beards, tinsel scarves and red gloves.

The runners then crossed a snowy, icy path to brave the below-freezing water for a quick dip near the Mongolian border, where temperatures dropped to minus 13 Celsius (8 F) on Wednesday.

“I just enjoy it (winter exercise). I feel that I get filled with strength when I plunge into the water of the Baikal,” said Andrei Tesakov, one of the participants.

(Writing by Patrick Johnston in LONDON- Editing by David Goodman)