The countdown to Liverpool’s annual Santa Dash is officially underway, with a pop-up shop now open to support the festive event in its 20th anniversary year. Located in St Johns Shopping Centre, the shop will be open daily through 30 November, offering everything participants need for the big day, including Santa suits, race numbers, and other essentials.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash, one of the city’s most anticipated Christmas traditions, takes place on Sunday, 1 December 2024. With a 5K route starting at 9:30 am from Pier Head Liverpool, the event will also feature a 1K Mini Dash at 11 am for younger participants, beginning in Castle Street. This year, over 4,000 runners have already registered to join the run, with organisers expecting the numbers to grow as the day approaches. Event organisers report that blue Santa suits, a popular alternative to the traditional red, are already in limited supply.
The Santa Dash was launched in 2004 by Alan Rothwell, Race Director of BTR Liverpool, and is now considered the UK’s largest festive 5K fun run. Rothwell noted the annual excitement surrounding the event, saying, “The Liverpool Santa Dash has become a true festive highlight, a tradition like no other. Thousands of Santas running through the heart of Liverpool really brings the Christmas spirit to life.”
This year’s event supports Claire House Children’s Hospice as the Official Charity Partner. The hospice, which offers care for seriously and terminally ill children across Liverpool and beyond, invites participants to dash and raise funds, with an option to run for free by committing to a £120 sponsorship goal. Claire House provides support for families navigating serious illnesses and has become a cherished organisation in the community. In Demand Radio will serve as the Official Media Partner, with presenter Claire Simmo broadcasting live from the event on race day.
To participate, Santas can register in the pop-up shop or online, but those registering digitally must still collect their Santa suits in person at St Johns Shopping Centre. Each entrant receives a Santa suit, race number, medal wristband, and a goody bag. Last year, the event drew 6,100 participants, the largest turnout since 2018. This year’s organisers aim to exceed that number, further bolstering Liverpool’s Christmas festivities.
For the seventh consecutive year, Arriva North West will support the event with free bus travel for participants on race day. Santas can enjoy complimentary transport across Merseyside by wearing their suits and displaying their race numbers or medals.
The Santa Dash route begins at Pier Head and weaves through Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool’s bustling city centre, ending with a festive finish line at Liverpool Town Hall, complete with stilt-walking characters and a sprinkle of ‘real’ snow. The Mini Dash 1K, open to children aged 12 and under, allows younger participants to join the celebrations with a shorter route and the same festive finish line experience.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is among several community events BTR Liverpool coordinates annually, including the Liverpool Half Marathon and the Port Sunlight Road Race. The Santa Dash has become an inclusive event, inviting people of all ages and abilities to take part, whether walking, jogging, or running. Families, friends, and solo participants alike will join in, some pushing prams or even bringing along pets dressed as Santas. To find out more visit www.btrliverpool.com
