Last weekend, Santas were out in force in Liverpool for the iconic annual festive fun run, the 20th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.
Liverpool City Centre was transformed into a sea of Santas on Sunday 1 December, with the spectacular attracting a staggering 8,556 red, blue, and mini Santas.
This was the largest number of entries for a decade. Last year’s figure of 6,100 was snowballed with two weeks to go as Santas dashed to sign up.
The event always takes place on the first Sunday in December. It is highly regarded as the official kick-start to Christmas in Liverpool – and is believed to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.
Santas travelled from across the country to take part, alongside overseas visitors from Denmark, France, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA.
Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield CBE chose the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash to begin his Running Home For Christmas challenge to support MND charities. He was joined by special guests Liverpool FC’s John Barnes, Everton FC’s Peter Reid, and Liverpool FC Women’s Gemma Bonner.
Kevin went on to run over 230 miles across seven days in memory of his friend and former team mate Rob Burrow, who passed away from MND (motor neurone disease) in June. This was his fifth annual challenge, having already raised almost £10million for the MND community.
After completing the Santa Dash, Kevin ran another 2K before heading to Seacombe, Port Sunlight, Hooton, Ellesmere Port, Chester, and Wrexham – completing the first of 50 kilometres in one day in 7K blocks. The route also covered Gloucester to Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow, Beverley to Hull, Northampton to Leicester, and finally Old Trafford to Saddleworth.
The Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp, and Lady Mayoress Erica Kemp also supported the event. The Lord Mayor helped to officially start the main Santa Dash, while the Lady Mayoress took part wearing her chains of office accompanied by attendant Robbie Howell.
A team of 100 from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service took part, led by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan. This was the 17th year being involved after first supporting the event in 2007. The group was made up of firefighters and non-operational staff, supporting the organisation’s ethos of health and wellbeing.
The main Santa Dash 5K started at Pier Head Liverpool, with a grandstand finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow. The day also included a Mini Dash 1K for youngsters aged 12 and under, which started in Castle Street and shared the main finish line.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was first staged in 2004, created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. In 2007, the Mini Dash 1K was added to the day. Blue Santa suits were introduced in 2010 due to public demand.
It has since established itself as a firm favourite in the city’s events calendar, massively boosting the city’s economy including hospitality venues.
The date for next year’s event is confirmed as Sunday 7 December 2025. Entries are open and more than 150 eager Santas have already signed up. Full details can be found here.
The Santa Dash entry fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, goodie bags, and entertainment.
Official charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice were supported on the day by almost 400 fundraising Santas – including mascot Claire Bear.
Claire House smashed their target and have already raised more than £35,000. Santas and spectators also made donations on the day. Donations can still be made here.
Rachel Marnell from Walton represented Claire House at the event. Rachel sadly lost her little girl Phoebe in 2021, and she continues to receive support from Claire House. She has taken part in the Santa Dash with family ever since to raise money in memory of ‘Phe’ to give something back to the charity.
Official media partner In Demand Radio got into the spirit of the Santa Dash on air and staged a series of social media stunts involving key presenters. Claire Simmo hosted part of her lunchtime show live from the finish line, before hosting after party Santa Dash Bash at Gravity MAX in Liverpool ONE.
Partners also included St Johns Shopping Centre, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Arriva North West.
The Santa Dash pop-up shop was open seven days a week at St Johns Shopping Centre for suit collections, registrations, and gave out thousands of goodie bags. This was the eighth consecutive year that St Johns have been involved – a large team also took part on the day.
Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool became part of the route in 2018 following the demolition of the Churchill Flyover. Dashing through the Dock has become a much-loved part of the day.
Arriva North West supported the event for the seventh time with free travel for Santas on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside. Santas could enjoy a bus ride into the city centre on the morning, and then home again post event just by wearing the suit and number, and then medal.
Rock Choir Liverpool entertained Santas near the carousel at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, before heading to Water Street to continue singing. They were a real hit last year so BTR were delighted to invite them back.
Liverpool drumming band Katumba were back to bang their drums in a big way. They are a real highlight of the day as Santas as they head towards the finish line, before performing the finale to conclude the event.
Large groups taking part included ACC Liverpool, Carpenter’s Solicitors, Liverpool ONE, Mowgli, and Wild Thang.
BTR Liverpool also wanted to highlight the hard work of volunteers, including North West Air Ambulance, Southport Strollers, and members of the Merseyside running community.
Merseyside Army Cadet Force 4 Coy Company have been part of the Santa Dash for the last 15 years, often presenting Santas and Mini Santas with their commemorative finishers’ medals. They represent cadet units in Aigburth, Allerton, Norris Green, and Old Swan.
The Santa Dash is accessible and open to everyone. Santas walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, families, friends, or colleagues.
There are even Santas in prams, and four-legged furry Santas. From those running purely for fun to groups of fundraisers.
The event acts as a platform for community groups, businesses, and charities to fundraise independently while taking part – with hundreds of good causes championed on the day.
Santas were also out in force supporting the eight BTR charity partners for the 2024 event portfolio – Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its portfolio includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, BTR Tour Of Merseyside, Port Sunlight Road Race, BTR Women’s 10K Liverpool, and Run For The 97 5K.
The next event is the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race on Sunday 23 March 2025 – and sign-ups have already passed 5,000 entries. It is a real highlight in the race calendar, attracting plenty of overseas runners, and last year it sold out two weeks before at 9,000 places.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“The Liverpool Santa Dash is one of the most challenging events we stage, but it’s also the most rewarding. It’s a huge task for a small team, but every Santa has their own reason for taking part and that makes it all worthwhile. It really does put Liverpool on the Christmas map.
“A huge thank you to partners who help to make the event so special. These include charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice and media partner In Demand Radio, they both really threw themselves into the Santa Dash fun. The team at St Johns Shopping Centre always make us feel very welcome at the pop-up shop; free bus travel once again from Arriva North West; and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool for their support with the route.
“Santas and spectators were treated to entertainment from Rock Choir Liverpool and Katumba, and we must mention the most special Father Christmas – he was a real hit on the day! We are extremely grateful to our brilliant volunteers from the Merseyside running community, and Merseyside Army Cadet Force who have been helping for 15 years.
“It was an amazing day. Those smiles, laughter, high fives, and a real sense of warmth. Only in Liverpool. Three words kept cropping up on the day – atmosphere, incredible, and community. Shall we aim for 10,000 Santas next year, why not?! Come and experience the magic on 7 December 2025 for yourself and be part of the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.”
Event details can be found on the website.
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