Santas were out in force in Liverpool last weekend for the annual festive run, the 20th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.
Charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice were supported on the day by almost 400 fundraising Santa’s, including mascot Claire Bear. Claire House smashed their target and have already raised more than £35,000
The city was transformed into a sea of Santas on Sunday December, 1 with the spectacular attracting a record 8,556 red, blue, and mini Santas.
This was the largest number of entries for a decade and significantly exceeded last year’s figure of 6,100.
The event takes place each year on the first Sunday in December and is widely regarded as the official kick-start to Christmas in Liverpool. It is the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.
Santas travelled from across the country to take part, alongside overseas visitors from Europe and the USA.
Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield chose the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash to begin his Running Home for Christmas challenge to support Motor Neurone Disease MND charities.
Kevin went on to run over 230 miles across seven days in memory of his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who died from motor neurone disease in June. This was Kevin’s fifth annual challenge, having already raised almost £10m for the MND community.
A team of 100 from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service took part, led by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan and this was their 17th year being involved after first supporting the event in 2007.
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.
Featured image (c) Erica Dillon
