Liverpool’s annual BTR Santa Dash was back this Christmas and bigger than ever.
Record-breaking numbers took part in the 5K run, with more than 11,000 Santas lined up at the start line at 9:30am on a cold but clear Sunday morning.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, councillor Barbara Ann Murray, said she is not surprised it is the biggest Santa Dash.
She said: “That’s Liverpool all over, we’re the first and the biggest and the best.”
She jokingly added: “We are the capital of the world!”
The start
The run began at The Royal Albert Dock on Canada Boulevard with crowds of red and blue Santas lining up as far as the eye could see.
Blue suits were limited with only 1,000 available, causing upset amongst a few Everton supporters.
However, this did not deter them and they, instead, wore signs sporting light-hearted jokes.
The diversity of participants was endless with the youngest being four-month-old Luca McGreary and the oldest 88-year-old David Bliss.
From wheelchair users to pram pushers to dogs and families, experienced runners to children, inclusivity is at the forefront of the event.
Father Christmas (@Fatherchello) returned for a second year to spread festive cheer and entertain runners whilst they waited to cross the start line.
Christmas songs played through speakers, chatter and excitement filled the air in angst for the countdown.
Once the runners took off, the influx of people kept coming. Half an hour later, people were still eagerly waiting to set off at Pier Head.
Runners were cheered on by crowds of supporters.
The finish Line
The last sprint down Dale Street towards the finish line was no different.
Live band, Katumba, drummed in the runners, whilst a snow machine blanketed them on their way to collect their well-deserved medals.
Staff from Claire House Children’s Hospice handed out water to finishers whilst checking on individuals to ensure everyone was well and happy.
Hannah Shannon, head of communications at Claire House, was at the finish showing her gratitude for the 500 runners who had raised over £10,000 for the charity.
She said: “We love being at Santa Dash every year because we have lots of runners who are running for Claire House and raising money for seriously and terminally ill children.”
Charity
The race supported eight local charities: Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Liverpool’s Women’s Hospital Charity, Liverpool Zoe’s Place, Mersey Cares, North West Air Ambulance Service Charity and Wirral University Teaching Hospital Charity.
This year’s Santa Dash raised thousands of pounds for the charities, but also brought everyone together – no matter if their suit is red or blue.
To hear more from Hannah and an interview with the naked Santa, listen below.
Featured image: Freya Leather
