The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash returns in just 100 days on 1 December and will this year mark its milestone 20th anniversary. The event is thought to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun runs and is highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas. Entries are already open with 500 places already snapped up by dashing Santas young and old, red and blue.

The very first Liverpool Santa Dash took place in 2004 and over two decades the event has continued to evolve. In 2007, the 1K Mini Dash was introduced for youngsters aged 12 and under, while blue Santa suits were added to the fun in 2010 due to public demand.

BTR Liverpool's Alan Rothwell says: “When I visited a Santa run in Newtown in Wales in 2003 I was captivated by what I saw – and just knew this was something Liverpool really needed. Press the fast forward button and here we are counting down 100 days to our milestone 20th anniversary year.

“Last year we welcomed 6,100 red, blue and mini Santas to dash round the city centre – and we want to build on that number even more to make sure we remain the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.

“It’s a magical day and if you’ve never seen the spectacle with your own eyes, it really does have to be seen to be believed. It’s magical and the perfect way to begin the city’s festivities.”
 
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash starts at Pier Head Liverpool, before taking Santas through Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and round the city centre. Santas cross the grandstand finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall – complete with stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.

The Mini Dash 1K starts in Castle Street, once all Santas in the main Dash have completed the course. The youngsters follow a similar city centre route before crossing the finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall.

If you'd like to know more, visit the BTR Liverpool website, or enter the race now.

Image: BTR Liverpool