Over 6,000 Santas flocked to the docks on Sunday morning for Liverpool’s annual Santa Dash.
Santas young and old gathered at Pier Head in what felt like freezing temperatures at 9.30 to take part in the biggest Santa dash in the UK. The race is a distance of 5k and no prior running experience is needed.
The race is all about the city coming together as one, whether you’re a red or a blue Santa, with the aim of raising money for charity.
The Christmas spirit was well and truly in evidence as in the sea of traditional red Santas there were some blue Santa suits standing out as well.
The official charity partner for the Santa Dash is Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and five-year-old Lincoln, who is a patient there, and his family were special guests on the start line.
They were joined by members of Merseyside Fire and Rescue, Scott and Leanne from Radio City’s Breakfast Show and the deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp.
Everyone in attendance was in high spirits as the organisers did all they could to bring the joy of Christmas to a cold and foggy December Morning.
Runners arrived at the start line to the sound of classic Christmas songs being played over the tannoy and were met with fake snow. Liverpool drum/percussion band Katumba were making plenty of noise at the finish line to encourage runners to make the final push.
It is not yet known how much was raised but it was a record-breaking year for the number of participants and the fastest time over the finish line and participants are looking forward to doing it all over again next year.
Watch Kieron Day’s video report here:
Featured image (c) Lana Ogley
