Highlights of the 2024 Liverpool 5k Santa Dash and 1k Mini Dash - Part 2

THESE are yet more photographs taken at the 2024 Liverpool 5k Santa Dash and 1k Mini Dash, which were held on:- 1 December 2024, in Liverpool City Centre. To see Part 1 of our coverage, please click on here.  If you are unaware, this year was the 20th Anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and as you can see in our pictures, on the day, the roads around Liverpool Town Hall and the Pier Head transformed into a river of Santas... According to BTR Liverpool's Press Officer, Erica Dillon, the event attracted a staggering 8,556 red, blue, and mini Santas. Erica said:- "This was the largest number of entries for a decade. We thought 2023's figure of 6,100 was fantastic, but this year's snowballed with 2 weeks to go as Santas dashed to sign up. Santas travelled from across the country to take part, alongside overseas visitors from as far as:- Denmark, France, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA."

Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield CBE chose the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash to begin his Running Home For Christmas challenge to support MND charities. He was joined by special guests Liverpool FC’s John Barnes, Everton FC’s Peter Reid, and Liverpool FC Women’s Gemma Bonner. Kevin went on to run over 230 miles across seven days in memory of his friend and former team mate Rob Burrow, who passed away from MND (motor neurone disease) in June. This was his fifth annual challenge, having already raised almost £10million for the MND community. After completing the Santa Dash, Kevin ran another 2K before heading to:- Seacombe, Port Sunlight, Hooton, Ellesmere Port, Chester, and Wrexham; completing the first of 50 kilometres in 1 day in 7K blocks. The route also covered Gloucester to Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow, Beverley to Hull, Northampton to Leicester, and finally Old Trafford to Saddleworth.

The Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp, and Lady Mayoress Erica Kemp also supported the event. The Lord Mayor helped to officially start the main Santa Dash, while the Lady Mayoress took part wearing her chains of office accompanied by attendant Robbie Howell.

Rachel Marnell, from Walton represented Claire House, at the event. Rachel sadly lost her little girl Phoebe in 2021. Rachel continues to receive support from Claire House and she has taken part in the Santa Dash with family ever since to raise money in memory of:- 'Phe' to give something back to the charity.

A team of 100 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service took part, led by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan. This was the 17th year being involved after 1st supporting the event in 2007. The group was made up of firefighters and non-operational staff, supporting the organisation’s ethos of health and wellbeing.

Merseyside Army Cadet Force 4 Coy Company have been part of the Santa Dash for the last 15 years, have again presented those taking part with both Santas and Mini Santas Commemorative Medals unpon them finishing. The unit taking paret this year represented cadets from:- Aigburth, Allerton, Norris Green, and Old Swan Units.

The main Santa Dash 5K started at Pier Head Liverpool, with a grandstand finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall featuring stilt-walking festive characters and 'foam' snow. The day also included a Mini Dash 1K for youngsters aged 12 and under, which started in Castle Street and shared the main finish line.

Every year it has proven to be a massively boosting the City's economy, including:- hospitality venues, but many of them also contribute to the event, like Liverpool's Hooters Bar. Event Partners in 2024 included:- St Johns Shopping Centre, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Arriva North West.

Also it raises huge amounts for charity, with the 2024 Official Charity Partner being Claire House Children's Hospice were supported on the day, almost 400 fundraising Santas, including:- Mascot Claire Bear, helped to boost the charity's funds. Claire House smashed their target and have already raised more than £35,000. Santas and spectators also made donations on the day. Donations can still be made at:- JustGiving.Com. BTR Liverpool also wanted to highlight the hard work of volunteers, including:- North West Air Ambulance, Southport Strollers, and members of the Merseyside running community.

This time the Official Media Partner In Demand Radio's very own Claire Simmo hosted part of her lunchtime show live from the finish line, before hosting after party Santa Dash Bash at Gravity MAX in Liverpool ONE. 7th consecutive year, Arriva North West also supported the event, with free travel for Santas on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside. The event also had large numbers of staff from:- ACC Liverpool, Carpenter’s Solicitors, Liverpool ONE, Mowgli, and Wild Thang taking part in the event. Acts entertaining the runners for the 2024 event included both:- Liverpool drumming band Katumba and Rock Choir Liverpool.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:- "The Liverpool Santa Dash is one of the most challenging events we stage, but it’s also the most rewarding. It’s a huge task for a small team, but every Santa has their own reason for taking part and that makes it all worthwhile. It really does put Liverpool on the Christmas map.A huge thank you to partners who help to make the event so special. These include charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice and media partner In Demand Radio, they both really threw themselves into the Santa Dash fun. The team at St Johns Shopping Centre always make us feel very welcome at the pop-up shop; free bus travel once again from Arriva North West; and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool for their support with the route. Santas and spectators were treated to entertainment from Rock Choir Liverpool and Katumba, and we must mention the most special Father Christmas; he was a real hit on the day! We are extremely grateful to our brilliant volunteers from the Merseyside running community, and Merseyside Army Cadet Force who have been helping for 15 years. It was an amazing day. Those smiles, laughter, high fives, and a real sense of warmth. Only in Liverpool. Three words kept cropping up on the day – atmosphere, incredible, and community. Shall we aim for 10,000 Santas next year, why not?! Come and experience the magic on 7 December 2025 for yourself and be part of the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run."

More photographs taken at this event can be seen on the following 3 pages within this edition of Southport and Mersey Reporter.  You can also find other photos and video in our coverage of this festive fun run within our previous Edition.

The date for next year’s event is confirmed as:- Sunday, 7 December 2025. Entries are open and more than 150 eager Santas have already signed up. Full details can be found online at:- BTRLiverpool.Com.  Also, the next event is the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race on:- Sunday, 23 March 2025; and sign-ups have already passed 5,000 entries. It is a real highlight in the race calendar, attracting plenty of overseas runners, and in 2023 it sold out 2 weeks before at 9,000 places.

Did you know that the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was first staged in 2004, created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell? In 2007, the Mini Dash 1K was added to the day? Blue Santa suits were introduced in 2010 due to public demand? It is highly regarded as the official kick start to Christmas in Liverpool, and it is always held on the 1st Sunday in December?

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