Liverpool couple’s Christmas tradition thousands take part in

The man who initiated the Santa Dash decades ago is "justifiably proud" of how the event has flourished over time. Alan Rothwell, from Everton, eagerly anticipates Sunday, December 1, when the city will be transformed into a sea of thousands of red, blue, and mini Santas - a spectacle Liverpool witnesses annually for this event.

Last year, the Santa Dash had over 6,100 people participating. But this year is set to be even bigger with nearly 8,000 people set to take part in support of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The dad-of-two, who lives in West Kirby, told the ECHO: "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 the days to our milestone 20th anniversary year.

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"It's a magical day, and if you've never seen the spectacle with your own eyes, it really does have to be seen and believed. It's magical and the perfect way to begin the city's festivities."

The Santa Dash, organised by Alan’s company Born To Run (BTR), was first held in 2004. Alan was inspired by a photograph of a similar run taking place in mid-Wales and decided to join in, bringing his then eight-year-old daughter, Abby, along. Initially, Alan gave his all in the race but soon realised it was a fun run "full of excitement".

On the journey home from Wales, Alan told his wife Yvonne he wanted to replicate something similar for the people of Liverpool, and what came from the off-the-cuff comment was an event that “has gone from strength to strength”.

Alan said: “It was a massive hit straight from the offset. In the second year, we got into the World Guinness Book of Records for having the most people involved in the run. That’s because it was relatively new then, and we were still blooming. Then it went up and down with numbers because the runs started appearing everywhere in the UK.

“I’m pleased to see it being copied everywhere - it shows the idea is working. We’ve stood the test of time and many people say it kickstarts Christmas because it is always on the first Sunday in December. The passion of running will never leave me. As I got older, I thought, ‘Should I pack this in? ’ But when you see what happens on the day, I know I can’t walk away from it. I’m justifiably proud of how we have maintained and developed the event from day one.

“It’s fantastic seeing everyone running on the day. When you see it, it’s a spectacle, but when you actually run in it, it's plain daft, and that’s what everyone loves about it. People come back yearly - not because they want to run five kilometres - because it brightens the city up to no end with the red and blue suits."

Alan is no stranger to running himself, having been part of the community since he was a teenager. His achievements include finishing 42 marathons over 25 years, including London, New York, Liverpool, and Stockholm marathons.

The dad previously spoke to the ECHO from the Santa Dash pop-up shop located at St John's Shopping Centre, where he and his wife Yvonne work every day until Saturday, November 30. The couple is on hand for registrations, suit collection and selling themed merchandise.

In 2007, a 1K mini dash for youngsters aged 12 and under was added to the day, while blue Santa suits were introduced three years later due to public demand. The 5K route was changed in 2018 to include Royal Albert Dock Liverpool after the Churchill Flyover in Liverpool city centre was demolished.

Alan said: “For 20 years, the people of Liverpool and visitors have embraced the fun, warmth, and pure joy of the Liverpool Santa Dash. It really is an event like no other. It just has to be seen first-hand to be believed. The sea of red, blue, and mini Santas is simply incredible. Join us for this special celebratory year – let’s make it one to remember.”