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Everything you need to know about the Santa Dash 2018

5 years ago

By The Guide Liverpool

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Everything you need to know about the Santa Dash 2018

From start times to celeb runners, road closures to the brand new route, we’ve got you covered. On your marks, get set, Santa Dash!

Celebrating its 15th year in the city, the annual Santa Dash 5k and 1mile races return to our city streets this weekend and we’ve got all the info you need to plan a fabulously festive day our with your very own Santa.

As official video partner, The Guide Liverpool will be on the start line and along the route capturing all the dashing action as it happens. Keep your eyes peeled for our Kate and the cameras as we take you on the 5k waterfront and city centre route, all the way to the snow covered finish line and all important medal!

Radio City breakfast presenters, Leanne and Dave will get you all warmed through before the official start and will be joined by a host of famous faces from Hollyoaks, Channel 5 and there’s even a Liverpool Legend lacing up too!

Where & When

The start line for the 15th annual Santa Dash is at the Pier Head with the race beginning at 9:30am promptly. The kids mini dash start line is on Castle Street and begins at 11am.

Travel

The easiest way to get to the Santa Dash 2018 start line is by public transport and to make things even easier, Arriva is giving free travel to all Santa’s in full suits and beards…..all day! James Street is your nearest Merseyrail station and Paradise Street is the closest bus station.

Click here to check out ArrivaClick and book your on demand journey in advance.

The Course

There’s a brand new route for this year’s Santa Dash as the Dale Street flyovers remain closed for safety reasons. From the Pier Head start line, Santa’s will take on the following course: Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate, The Strand, James Street, North John Street, Victoria Street, Dale Street, Hatton Garden, Pall Mall, Leeds Street, Old Hall Street, Tithebarn Street, returning to Dale Street and finishing outside Liverpool Town Hall.

Road Closures

As with all city centre running events, there are in inevitable road closures. There will be a Traffic Management Plan in force from 6am until approximately 10:30am on Sunday 2nd December, so if you’re heading into town for some Christmas shopping, take a look at the full road closure list and timings before hand, to plan your day. Click here for the full list of road effected.

Post Dash Drinks

There’s a wealth of bars and restaurants serving up post Santa Dash drinks and lets face it, you’ve earned it! Some Santa’s even stop off at the pub mid-dash! If you fancy a little tipple on Sunday, here’s our top 3 Castle Street bars just moments away from the Santa Dash Finish Line.

1 – McGuffie’s

McGuffie’s may be one of the smallest, intimate venues on Castle Street, but we can’t wait to see this fab bar stuffed to the max with red and blue Santa’s raising a toast to jolly, bearded one.

2 – Liverpool Gin Distillery

Newly opened, Liverpool Gin Distillery offers three gin experiences involving distillery tours, gin tasting and gin making, alongside two bars where visitors can relax, eat and drink. You had us at Gin!

3 – Castle Street Townhouse

Whether you prefer a warming coffee, hot chocolate or something a little stronger after your 5k effort, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you at Castle Street Townhouse.

Festive Dining for All

Time to replenish those calories and what better way to feast after your Santa Dash than with a hearty, festive meal in the city centre. Get your supporters and fellow Santa’s together and get your chops around these top three, turkey-tastic treats.

1 – Bar Hutte, Liverpool ONE

Rock around the Chrismas Tree at Liverpool ONE after the Santa Dash as Bar Hutte is back at its festive home. Tuck into the Christmas Pide, a flatbread loaded with smoked turkey, chipolatas, stuffing, mozzarella and charred sprouts. Get in our belly! Menus here.

2 – Red Dog Saloon

Stick with the festive theme while you’re in your Santa suit and get a taste for the old bird at Red Dog Saloon? The SFT, Southern Fried Turkey Breast Burger, fries and slaw will leave you hankering for more! Full Christmas menu here.

3 – Liverpool Christmas Markets

If you’re not up to cooking your usual Sunday roast after the Santa Dash, fear not! Head to the Liverpool Christmas Market at St George’s Plateau for a Yorkshire pudding Christmas dinner wrap and feast like St Nick.