The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is back for 2026 and entries are now open for one of the most colourful fixtures on the city's running calendar.

The main 5K will once again send a sea of Santa suits through Liverpool, starting on the waterfront beside the famous Royal Liver Building.

This is very much a fun run rather than a conventional race. There is no age restriction for the main 5K, allowing families and different generations to take part together in an event where festive atmosphere matters rather more than finishing times.

Entry to the 5K includes a Santa suit, with an adult size and two sizes available for younger participants aged five to 14. Santa suits are not provided for children under five.

Younger runners also have their own event. The Mini Dash is a separate 1K for children aged up to 12 and is scheduled to start at approximately 11:00am on Castle Street.

Parents and guardians can accompany children around the Mini Dash without entering themselves, and participants who have already completed the main 5K can also join their child. Every youngster taking part receives a separate Mini Dash medal.

The combination of Liverpool landmarks, thousands of Santa suits and an event designed for all ages has helped make the Santa Dash a distinctive part of the city's Christmas season.

Entries are availanle now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy BTR Liverpool on Flickr.