Entries have officially opened for one of Liverpool’s most iconic and quirky annual events as the world-famous festive spectacular prepares to return to the city centre. 

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026, starting at 9.30 am from Pier Head, Liverpool, and stands as the largest festive 5K fun run in the UK. 

The eye-catching spectacle routinely transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant sea of red, blue, and mini Santas, drawing thousands of participants alongside enthusiastic spectators who join in with the community spirit of the day.

This year marks the 23rd staging of the event, which was created by BTR Liverpool Founder Alan Rothwell and first launched back in 2004. 

The event has established itself as a firm favourite in the local calendar, massively boosting the regional economy on the day by driving significant footfall into local hospitality venues. 

Last year’s dash recorded an incredible 11,100 entries, marking the biggest public turnout for over a decade and building on the 8,500 entries tracked during the 2024 festive season.

International Participants Join Inclusive Route Across Iconic Waterfront Landmarks

The fully inclusive public event welcomes runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchair participants, families with prams, and even dogs to complete the festive course together. 

The main 5K route guides the massive crowd of Santas from the Pier Head line, along The Strand, and through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool before navigating the city centre. 

The event features a showstopping finish line at Liverpool Town Hall, complete with stilt-walking festive characters and real snow machines to celebrate the arriving runners.

The international appeal of the event continues to grow year on year, with the 2025 gathering attracting runners who flew into the region from across the globe, including participants from Australia, France, Germany, Spain, and South Korea, alongside large cohorts from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

For younger participants aged 12 and under, the day also includes the Mini Dash 1K, which kicks off from Castle Street once the main 5K route concludes, building on the success of last year when more than 600 mini Santas took part.

Limited Multi Coloured Suits Available As Local Charities Secure Support Portfolio

Organisers are encouraging eager participants to secure their slots early, particularly if they want to claim one of the highly sought-after alternative outfits. 

Everyone taking part in the main 5K event will receive a matching purple commemorative medal, but the blue Santa suits remain strictly capped. 

Last year’s event recorded the largest number of blue Santas in the history of the run, reaching the 1,000-place limit very quickly after registration opened to the public.

Alan Rothwell, BTR Liverpool Founder, said: 

“The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is iconic. 

“It’s the biggest festive 5K fun run in the UK, we continue to attract people from across the world, and it takes place right here in Liverpool. 

“The event is quirky, memorable, and you only have to look at the smiles on the faces of thousands of Santas on the day. 

“Every single Santa plays a part in making the day such an incredibly special event, and they should feel proud.

“Entries are now open. 

“It may be July and the height of Summer, but excitement and anticipation will steadily build from now right through to Santa Dash day itself. Remember you can also support good causes while having a great time dashing. 

“Alongside our 10 charity partners across the BTR portfolio for 2026, hundreds of good causes use the event as a platform to raise much-needed funds. 

“The entry fee pays to stage the entire event. So please fundraise to help our brilliant charities if you can.”

The entry fee covers all back-end operational costs required to safely deliver the mass-participation event, including formal road closures, professional safety measures, the physical Santa suits, medals, goody bags, and live course entertainment. 

BTR Liverpool is supporting 10 specific charities across its 2026 event portfolio, encouraging runners to fundraise for local causes including Alder Hey Children’s Charity, British Heart Foundation, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Little Lights Baby Hospice, Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, Mersey Cares, North West Air Ambulance, Open Door, and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.

The headline organisation, which was acquired in 2025 by mass participation events company Run For All to honour the ongoing legacy of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, remains the leading creator of competitive races across the region. 

Local residents and travelling runners can find full registration details and secure their running slots here.

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