Liverpool was transformed into a festive spectacle as a mix of red, blue and mini-Santas took part in the annual fund-raiser for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital amongst other good causes.
Alder Hey, the official charity partner, aims to deliver a fun-filled and positive experience for families, often at the toughest times, by raising money for innovative projects and creative activities. The charity has already raised over £16,000 through the Santa Dash fundraising campaign, with donations still being accepted on their official JustGiving page.
Organised by BTR Liverpool, the event saw participants from the Northwest region and beyond, with Santas joining the fun from as far away as Australia, Bangkok, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, and Spain.
BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell expressed his gratitude to partners and participants: “Liverpool now has the biggest festive 5K fun run in the UK.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with our partners Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Radio City, St Johns Shopping Centre, Arriva Northwest, and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.
“The BTR team would also like to say a huge thank you to every Santa who made the day so special. Have a great Christmas, and we’ll see you on December 1, 2024.”
The lively crowd transformed the city into a sea of festive cheer on Sunday, December 3, making it the largest gathering of participants since 2018.
Believed to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run, the event has grown in popularity over the two decades it has been running. The inaugural event first took place in 2004, and over the years, it has become a beloved tradition.
In 2007, the 1K Mini Dash for youngsters aged 12 and under was introduced, while blue Santa suits made their debut in 2010 due to popular demand by loyal Everton fans.
The 2018 Santa Dash marked a change to the 5K route, incorporating the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate. Following the demolition of the Churchill Flyover in Liverpool city centre, ever since the iconic waterfront attraction has played a vital role incorporating the event.
With the main 5k event starting at the Pier Head, winding through Royal Albert Dock and the city centre before concluding with a grandstand finish outside Liverpool Town Hall, complete with stilt-walking festive characters, ‘real’ snow, and festive music.
Other partners for the event included Radio City as the media partner, with supporting partners including St Johns Shopping Centre, Arriva Northwest, and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.
The 1K Mini Dash started in Castle Street and finished at Dale Street. It saw special guest five-year-old Alder Hey patient Lincoln and his parents from St Helens entering, bringing their infectious enthusiasm and positivity to the dash.
Lincoln, who underwent open-heart surgeries at Alder Hey, participated alongside Alder Hey mascot Oli the elephant.
Event organisers arranged a special pre-event visit for Lincoln to St Helens Community Fire Station, where he received the full fire station experience, including a ride in a fire engine and getting his very own toy fire engine.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, a long-time participant in the Santa Dash, had its largest-ever team of 100 Santa’s, including Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan.
The team embraced the event to promote health and wellbeing whilst supporting the community.
Radio City Breakfast Show presenters Leanne and Scott welcomed Santas to both events, with Leanne participating in the main Santa Dash with her team, “Leg It with Leanne”.
The day also saw appearances by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool councillor Richard Kemp and inaugural Big Brother winner Craig Phillips.
Santas flocked to the Santa Dash pop-up shop at St Johns Shopping Centre for five weeks before the event to sign up and collect their Santa suits. Arriva Northwest supported the event for the sixth time by providing free bus travel across Merseyside on Santa Dash day.
Volunteer teams played crucial roles in ensuring the event’s success
Additional highlights included the debut performance of Rock Choir Liverpool and the captivating performance of Liverpool drumming band Katumba on Dale Street.
Volunteer teams, including Everton in the Community, Goodgym Liverpool, Northwest Air Ambulance, and cadets from 4 Coy Merseyside Army Cadets, played crucial roles in ensuring the event’s success.
- Entries for next year’s Santa Dash, scheduled for Sunday, December 1, 2024, are already open, with limited places available for the popular blue Santa suits. Registration can be completed at BTR Liverpool’s official website.
Featured image (c) Lana Ogley
