A staggering 11,100 Santas dashed through the streets of Liverpool to kick-start Christmas in the city.
The iconic event is the largest festive 5K fun run in the UK – seeing the city centre transformed into a sea of red, blue, and mini Santas for the festive spectacular.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash began in 2004 – and this was the biggest turn-out for over a decade. Last year’s event attracted 8,500 entries.
This year has seen the biggest number of blue Santas reaching 1,000 places – blue entries sold out early November.
It was also an extra special day for the little ones with more than 600 youngsters aged 12 and under taking part in the Mini Dash 1K. This shorter version took place after the main dash had finished.
The 5K dash took Santas on a route from Pier Head Liverpool, along The Strand, through Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and round the city centre, before a showstopping finish line at Liverpool Town Hall featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.
The Santa Dash 5K was officially started by Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray; and former Liverpool Football Club goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, an Ambassador for LFC Foundation and mental health advocate. Chris took part in the main Santa Dash.
There was also a return visit for the event’s official Santa, Father Chello – who proved to be a massive hit last year.
The youngest Santa registered was four-month-old Luca McGreary from Wirral, who wore the number 1 in the Mini Dash 1K.
The most senior Santa was 88-year-old David Bliss from West Derby, who took part part in the 5K.
Santas also came from far and wide visiting from overseas including Australia, France, Germany, Spain, South Korea – as well as closer to home from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
In Demand Radio was the event’s Official Media Partner. Presenters Claire Simmo and Graeme White from In Demand Radio and In Demand Decades hosted the start and finish line stages.
Claire also presented her show from the event, before heading to Gravity MAX at Liverpool ONE to host the Official Santa Dash After Party during the afternoon.
St Johns Shopping Centre supported the event for the ninth consecutive year hosting the Santa Dash pop-up shop from early November through to event day. A team of 40 from the centre took part.
Arriva North West supported the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash for the eighth time with free bus travel across Liverpool City Region.
Santas were encouraged to fundraise for one of the eight event charities, to help support their vital work in the local community.
The eight charities are Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Liverpool Zoe’s Place; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
A team of 120 from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service took part. This is the 18th time the organisation has been involved since first dashing in 2007. The group was made up of firefighters and non-operational staff, they represented the organisation to support the ethos of health and wellbeing.
Santas were entertained along the route by Rock Choir Liverpool and drumming band Katumba.
Rock Choir Liverpool returned for a third consecutive year. They sang as Santas dashed passed them on James Street and Derby Square.
Katumba banged their drums on Dale Street to spur Santas and mini Santas on to the finish line. They also performed the grand finale to close the event.
There was also a green army of Santas, representing Irish Community Care for the first time.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell and was first staged in 2004.
It has since established itself as a firm favourite in the city’s events calendar, massively boosting the city’s economy on the day including hospitality venues.
BTR Liverpool is the leading organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. The annual calendar of competitive races and fun runs take place between March and December.
The portfolio includes Liverpool Half Marathon, Mersey Tunnel 10K, Run For The 97, Women’s 10K, Port Sunlight Road Race 10K, and Wirral 10K.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“What an incredible day. The Liverpool Santa Dash brings together so many people from all walks of life. People who have never run – or dashed before. People who would never enter a competitive race. People who are coming along with family, friends, or colleagues to be part of the fun. People who want to raise money for charity at this special time of year. Whatever their reason, they will have made special memories which last far beyond the day itself.
“We have 11,100 reasons to say thank you to each and every Santa – red, blue, and mini. The Santas are what make the event so special, memorable, and most of all fun. And we couldn’t do it without the amazing volunteer support. Both go hand in hand.
“We are the biggest festive 5K fun run in the UK – can we make it even bigger for 2026. Watch this space.”
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash entry fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, goodie bags, and entertainment.
Next year’s event is on Sunday 6 December 2026. Entries will open shortly.
The first event in the 2026 portfolio is the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race on Sunday 15 March. Entries for both events have sold out at a combined figure of 12,000 places.
Full details about BTR Liverpool events visit www.btrliverpool.com