In just 100 days, a vibrant sea of Santas will flood the streets of Liverpool for the UK’s largest festive 5K fun run.
Get ready for the highly anticipated return of the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K and 1K Mini Dash on Sunday, December 7, 2025!
A remarkable 1,000 eager Santas have already registered – that’s twice the number of sign-ups compared to this time last year.
The event day countdown and medal reveal are celebrated as the city’s official launch into the Christmas season, creating thrilling moments for eager Santas.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash from last year achieved a remarkable milestone by selling out a week ahead of dash day – a first for this beloved event. With more than 8,500 participants dressed in vibrant red, blue, and adorable mini Santa outfits, this event has become the largest dash in a decade.
Created by BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell, the very first Liverpool Santa Dash took place in 2004.
It has continued to evolve over the past two decades. In 2007, the Mini Dash 1K was introduced for youngsters aged 12 and under, while blue Santa suits were added to the fun in 2010 due to public demand.
This year’s medal comes in a choice of red or blue to match the Santa Dash registration and suit colour.
Blue suits are limited, so Santas are encouraged to register early to ensure they do not miss out.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K route starts from Pier Head Liverpool at 9.30am and finishes outside Liverpool Town Hall, with a showstopping finish line featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.
The route includes dashing through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate. The route was changed in 2018 to include the waterfront attraction after the Churchill Flyover in Liverpool city centre was demolished.
The Mini Dash 1K is for youngsters aged 12 and under. It starts at approximately 11am in Castle Street, once all Santas in the main dash have completed the course. The youngsters follow a similar city centre route before also crossing the vibrant finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall.
Walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, charities, families, baby Santas in prams, and four-legged furry Santas.
BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“Back in March we began our 2025 events with the 12,000-strong BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler. And in a flash, here we are, counting down 100 days to our final event of the year, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and revealing the much anticipated medal.
“These two events have raced ahead in the popularity stakes in the last couple of years – and this trend is continuing. It’s very positive to see and the team strive to make the races better with each year.
“Staging the Santa Dash is a huge task – and selling out last year was a surprise to us all. Santas were dashing to sign up daily! We’ve already doubled the number of entries for this time last year – smashing the 1,000 barrier for red, blue, and mini Santa Dash places. I’d advise people to sign up as early as possible. We’ve got plenty to announce in the coming weeks so watch this space.
“But before we take over the city with Santas and turn Pier Head Liverpool red and blue, we have another two events to stage first. Join us in September for the Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, and the Wirral 10K in October. Race or dash – come and join the BTR fun.”
Online entries are open, you can register here.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s biggest open-air cinema returns for Halloween
