The monumental BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is back for 2025 serving a good cause. Thousands of Liverpudlians are set to flock to the streets, running to help raise money for eight charities.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is taking place on Sunday, December 1, thought to be the UK’s biggest 5k run.
Last year, 8,500 Santas took to the streets of Liverpool, making it the biggest run in a decade. And organisers BTR Liverpool are encouraging Liverpudlians to raise the bar and make this Santa Dash the biggest so far, as over 10,000 people have already registered!
This year, runners are urged to fundraise for one of the eight charities to help boost their vital work in the local community. The eight charities are Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Liverpool Zoe’s Place; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
The event starts at Pier Head Liverpool at 9:30am, before taking running Santas through Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and around the city centre. Upon the finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall, Santas will encounter stilt-walking festive characters, and even “snow”.
What is more, the race is followed by the Mini Dash 1K, which commences on Castle Street at 11am, aimed at youngsters aged 12 and under.
Plus, the Lord Mayor will assist with officially starting the main Santa Dash from Pier Head Liverpool, joined on stage by former Liverpool Football Club goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, waving off thousands of Santas as they cross the start line.
And the festivities will continue at the finish line, with In Demand Radio as the event’s Official Media Partner, there is free bus travel for Santas from Arriva North West, alongside event support from partners St Johns Shopping Centre and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.
Is there still time to sign up?
Yes, there are still limited spaces left for the BTR Santa Dash for 2025, from the Santa Dash pop-up shop at St Johns Shopping Centre. However, the event is likely to sell out for a second year.
It is worth noting that racers will no longer be able to enter after the shop closes at 5pm on Saturday, December 6. The shop is located near the Matalan Bridge and the Post Office.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented: “This year has flown by in a complete flash – packed with competitive races, fun runs, and endless achievements and memories made for our BTR participants. And now we’ve come to the final BTR event of the year, and it’s a real family favourite.
“Places are limited and are likely to sell-out – making it the biggest ever Liverpool Santa Dash. It’s a unique experience and every Santa really does feel part of the day. The smiles and laughter are infectious – there is nothing quite like it.
“Come and join us for the biggest festive 5K fun run in the UK – and kick-start your Christmas in real Liverpool style.”
How to register for the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2025 and claim free bus travel on the day
Online entries have now closed but people can still sign up at the pop-up shop at St Johns Shopping Centre. A standard ticket with a red Santa suit hire is £26, while a blue Santa suit will set visitors back £28.
For the little ones aged 5 – 8 and 9 – 14, the standard entry is £15. The children’s Mini Dash is taking place at 11am.
To claim complimentary Arriva North West bus travel to or from the city centre, Santas must wear their Santa suit and race number on the morning, or their Santa suit and finisher’s medal when travelling home. There is no cut-off time to travel after the event.