Hard-working Santas took time out of their busy schedules last week to officially launch the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2024 – swapping reindeers for go-karts and sacks of presents for crazy golf! The 20th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash will take place on 1 December and will once again kick-start the city's Christmas celebrations.

Last year, an impressive 6,100 Santas took part, the biggest turn-out since 2018 and organisers BTR Liverpool are keen to raise the bar even further, they tell us that over 1000 red, blue and mini Santas have already registered.

Claire House Children’s Hospice will be the event’s Official Charity Partner. Claire House is the children’s hospice for Liverpool and beyond, providing the very best care for seriously and terminally ill local children and their families. A spokesperson from the charity said: “Everyone at Claire House is so excited to be the Official Charity Partner of the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2024. Santas can run for free by pledging to raise £120 or more in sponsorship. Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to dash with us, it’s going to be a fantastic day."

The Santa Dash 5K passes through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate. The route was changed in 2018 to include the waterfront attraction after the Churchill Flyover in Liverpool city centre was demolished. The 5K route starts at Pier Head Liverpool, before taking Santas through Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and round the city centre. The grandstand finish line at Liverpool Town Hall features stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.

BTR Liverpool's Alan Rothwell commented: “Team BTR are fully immersed in Santa Dash preparations. Staging our official launch is always lots of fun – especially the sight of a ‘jingle’ of Santas go-karting and playing crazy golf at Gravity MAX. It really stopped people in their tracks, so a big thank you to Gravity MAX for making us feel so welcome.

“Last year we welcomed 6,100 red, blue and mini Santas – we want to smash that number. It’s a magical day that has to be seen to be believed. It’s festive, it’s fun, it’s for everyone.”

If you'd like to know more, visit the Santa Dash entry page here.

Image: BTR Liverpool