Liverpool Santa Dash 2019 - Part 2
Report by Erica Dillon and photos by Patrick Trollope.

THE BTR Liverpool's 16th Santa Dash was held on 1 December 2019 and these are a few of the photos.  More than 6,000 excited runners in Liverpool pulled on their running shoes last weekend to take part in the UK's biggest festive 5K fun run. This event is highly regarded as the city's kick-start to Christmas, there was even 'real' snow to make the event more special for the thousands of red, blue and mini Santas. The established event was 1st staged in 2004, and entries have already opened for 2020, with an early bird price. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2020 takes place on, Sunday, 6 December 2020, but book quickly if you want blue suites as they are limited.  We can confirm that yet again, this year's international Santas travelled from the:- Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, as well as Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Special guests included:- Radio City Breakfast Show hosts Leanne and Dave; Lord Mayor Of Liverpool Councillor Anna Rothery; Everton in the Community Ambassador and Blues' legend Graeme Sharp; Liverpool Football Club Chief Executive Peter Moore; Singer Stephen McNally from band BBMak; Liverpool actor Kurtis Stacey; Miss Liverpool City Region Finley Unsworth; and Everton fans' favourite Speedo Mick.

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2019 was supported by:- St Johns Shopping Centre; The World's Famous Grotto; Arriva North West; Radio City; Royal Albert Dock Liverpool; and Appreciate Group.

Volunteer teams on the day included:- Claire House Children's Hospice; Dockside Runners; Everton in the Community; and Merseyside Army Cadet Force.

More than 150 Santas took part to fundraise for charity partner Claire House Children's Hospice, which has bases in Wirral and Liverpool.

Santas gathered at Pier Head Liverpool before setting off on the 5K route, which took them through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and the city centre, before enjoying a grandstand finish outside Liverpool Town Hall. Royal Albert Dock Liverpool featured for the second year and now replaces the Churchill flyover part of the route.

The event also included the Mini Dash 1K, sponsored by The World's Famous Grotto at St Johns Shopping Centre, for youngsters aged 12 and under.

All Santas were given a special finish line celebration on Dale Street with entertainment from Liverpool drum/percussion band Katumba drumming band, stilt walking festive characters, and 'real' snow as they completed the Santa Dash and collected their commemorative finishers' medal.

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is an accessible event and is open to everyone. The event attracts wheelchair participants, walkers, joggers and runners, taking part with friends, families, charities, colleagues; even tiny Santas in prams and countless 4 legged furry Santas.

For 3rd consecutive year, Arriva North West offered Santas free travel on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside throughout Santa Dash day.

It was a poignant day for the Furlong family from Aintree, who took part in memory of their Mum, Jayne, who passed away suddenly in August 2019. Jayne had previously taken part almost every year, and also volunteered when Scottish Power was a sponsor in 2017. The group of 30 included:- Jayne's daughters Emma and Sophie; Emma's 18 month old daughter Esme; and best friend Debbie Ashton.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:-  "What another incredible year for the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash; long established and the longest festive run in the Region. Thousands of red, blue and mini Santas gathering on the world famous Liverpool waterfront, then turning the streets of the city centre into a festive spectacular; it's something which just has to be witnessed and experienced 1st hand. There's nothing else like it. A huge thank you to our supporters, volunteers and most of all, our dashing Santas. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is a very special event for everyone involved, the smiles speak for themselves. Early bird entries are now open for next year, we'll see you there for our 17th consecutive year on 6 December 2020. Christmas has officially started in Liverpool."

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash acts as a platform for community groups, businesses and charities to fundraise independently while taking part.  Online entries for the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2020 are open now with an early bird price of ₤20, along with the Mini Dash for the reduced price of ₤10, until 1 January 2020, and you can find out more on BTRLiverpool.Com. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash registration fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including:- road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, and entertainment.

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events across Liverpool City Region. Its portfolio also includes:- the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K; Port Sunlight Road Race 5K and 10K; and the 52 mile Tour Of Merseyside.  The BTR Liverpool portfolio for 2020 starts with the long established BTR Liverpool Skyline ½ Marathon on Sunday, 15 March 2020, which marks its 27th consecutive year.

If you took part, please do let us know what you thought of the event, via emailing us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.  To see Part 1 of our report, please click on here now.

Did you know? This event was 1st staged back in 2004, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was created by BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell.

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