Liverpool Santa Dash 2024: time, date, route and how to sign up

The annual BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is gearing up to return to the city for a milestone year. On Sunday, December 1, the festive 5k fun run will turn the city into a sea of red as thousands of participants don Santa suits.

The Christmas tradition began in 2004, thanks to race director Alan Rothwell and has only grown since - last year's dash drew over 6,100 Santas. At this year’s event, nearly 8,000 are expected to take on the route in support of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Kicking off at the Pier Head at 9.30am, the course takes runners through the Royal Albert Dock and onwards into the heart of the city. Making a finish outside the Town Hall, Santas will be greeted by a spectacle complete with characters on stilts and "real" snow.

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Alan said: "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.

“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."

It's not just the adults who get to have all the yuletide fun; children aged 12 and under can join in the merriment, too, with the mini dash 1k. Setting off around 11 am from Castle Street after the main event concludes, the kids' dash follows a city-centre route leading up to the same finish line again.

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash welcomes everyone—whether walking, jogging, or running. Wheelchair users and even tiny Santas in prams or pets are encouraged to join.

Online entries have now closed, but they will be accepted in person at the pop-up shop in St Johns Shopping Centre until 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 30. It is located on the lower level near the Matalan bridge and the post office.

The entry fee, £26, goes towards the essential costs of organising such an event, which include road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, and entertainment.