BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2025

LIVERPOOL SANTAS DASH TO SHOW 11,000 REASONS WHY EVENT IS BIGGEST IN THE UK

Event was officially started by Lord Mayor Of Liverpool
and former LFC goalkeeper Chris Kirkland

Santas enjoyed free bus travel from Arriva, entertainment from Rock Choir Liverpool and Katumba drumming band

Youngest Santa four months, senior Santa aged 88

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.