BTR Liverpool's 15th Santa Dash and Mini Santa Dash
Photographs and video by Patrick Trollope.

THIS was the 15th BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and Mini Santa Dash, that took place in Liverpool City Centre, UK, on 2 December 2018, with over 7,000 Santa's taking part.  The event is 1 of the most eagerly anticipated running events in the North West and it has held on numerous years running the title of:- "World's Biggest Festive Fun Run" sadly this year numbers might not have managed to reach the required amount to regain the title, but it is still the biggest in the UK and possibly Europe.  This year's festive run was overseen yet again by the real Father Christmas, along with participants from across the globe, with Santas travelling from France, Gibraltar, Norway, Switzerland and the United States of America specially to take part.

The event is run each year to raise money for charity, as well as bringing some Christmas Cheer to Merseyside and the Liverpool City Region. This year the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was chosen by Channel 5 as the official fundraising event partner for the national TV station's new festive campaign:- 'Help The Animals at Christmas.' The campaign is raising awareness and funds to help support the vital activities of UK animal welfare charitable organisations, including the type of work carried out by nominated 5 animal charities:- RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, Blue Cross, The Donkey Sanctuary and Wildlife Aid Foundation.

Radio City was the media partner for the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2018. So hosts for the event where from Liverpool's Radio City with the station's Breakfast Show, Leanne and Dave who braved the cold, welcoming guests as they passed the start line, along with the real Father Christmas, aka The Real Santa. They were joined by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Christine Banks, to officially start the event.

Also attending the event was legendry radio and television presenter and avid runner Jenni Falconer, along with a group of Hollyoaks cast members, Nicole Barber Lane (Myra McQueen), Parry Glasspool (Harry Thompson), Jacob Roberts (Damon Kinsella), and Adam Woodward (Brody Hudson).

Pushing the runners on for the last few meters to the finish of both the 5k and the Mini Dash where Liverpool's drumming and dance carnival band, Katumba.

The 16th Liverpool Santa Dash is on Sunday, 1 December 2019, entries will open shortly on the. If you want to enter the 2019 event, go to BTR Liverpool's website. Plus if you want a Blue Santa Suits, get in fast as they are very limited. It is also worth adding that this is just 1 of the BTR's events and its race portfolio for 2019 starts with the BTR Liverpool ½ Marathon on Sunday, 10 March 2019. Those taking part in that race will run past many historic landmarks and see get a fantastic chance to the UNESCO World Heritage City on foot. Don't worry if that is a bit long for you as there is also a 10 mile option.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:- "What an incredible day, over 7,000 Santas dashing through the streets of Liverpool City Centre, it doesn't get much better than that. Our dashing Santas didn't even let bad weather dampen their spirits on what proved to be a very memorable day. Christmas has officially started in Liverpool; well done to everyone who took part. We are grateful to our partners Channel 5's Help The Animals at Christmas, St Johns Shopping Centre, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Arriva North West and Radio City; they all played a vital role in making this year's event a huge success. Again, we would like to say a big thanks to Arriva North West, as they have helped us for the 2nd consecutive year, by giving hundreds of Santa's free bus travel, across Merseyside into and out of the City Centre, on the day. But the biggest thanks go to our volunteers from Claire House Children's Hospice, Dockside Runners, Everton in the Community, and Merseyside Army Cadet Force, their ongoing support. Their help makes such a big difference to the smooth running of the event. Even if you did or did not take part in this year's event, please don't forget to tune into Channel 5, on Friday, 21 December 2018, for the very 1st 'Help The Animals at Christmas television show...' If you did take part, you may just spot yourself running as a Santa on TV!"