Liverpool Santa Dash 2023: Everything you need to know

Liverpool Santa Dash is back on Sunday 3 December 2023.

The milestone 20th annual BTR Liverpool Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 3 December. The countdown is on!

More than 5,000 Santas are already signed up for Santa Dash 2023 – ready to get on their Santa suits and raise cash for incredible local charities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the UK’s biggest festive 5k festive fun run.

When and where is it?

This year’s Liverpool Santa Dash is at The Pier Head on December 3rd at 9.30 am.

The Mini Dash follows the main event and starts at around 11 am once all the big Santas are finished.

What’s the history?

The first ever Santa Dash was in 2004, making this year the 20th staging of the event.

Liverpool Santa Dash is the biggest and longest-established race of its kind in the UK. It entered the Guinness Book of Records for the Biggest Santa gathering in 2005.

Created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell, the Dash is a non-competitive 5 K fun run that raises money for worthy causes across our region.

What are the official charities this year?

The Official Charity is Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, a long-term supporter and beneficiary of the Liverpool Santa Dash.

The event will also raise funds for Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Imagine Independence, SSAFA, North West Air Ambulance, and Wirral Hospital and University Trust.

How can I get involved?

Online entries close on Monday November 20th, but you can still get involved by visiting the pop-up shop until Saturday December 2nd.

You’ll find the pop-up shop above Wetherspoons, opposite Matalan, on the ground floor of St John’s Market.

It’s open seven days a week, 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, and 11 am-4 pm Sunday.

Entry to the Santa Dash is £27. Children under 12 can enter the mini-dash for £12. Parents are required to run with their children but do not need to enter.

(Heads up, Evertonians – blue suits are no longer available.)

What can I expect on the day?

As well as thousands of Santas descending on the city centre, you can expect supporters to turn out in numbers to cheer along their friends and families.

Radio City Breakfast’s Scott and Leanne will be bringing the tunes and festive fun (Leanne is taking part in this year’s run)

All participants will take home a medal and a feeling of Christmas pride.

Where can I grab a pint en route?

If you fancy a quick refreshment along the way, then the city centre route offers loads of options for a swift one. The Old Bank, The Liverpool, Harrison’s, Thomas Rigby’s, The Angus Tap & Grind, The Ship & Mitre, The Pig & Whistle and The Railway are just some of your many choices.

There’s always a fantastic atmosphere in town after the event, too.

How do I get there?

Event partners Arriva are offering free travel for all Santas on the day across the Merseyside Bus network.

To claim your free bus travel, Santas must be in their Santa suit and race number in the morning or your suit and finisher’s medal when travelling home. There’s no cutoff point after the run.

Merseyrail has regular services across the network. James Street and Moorfields are your closest stations to the event start line.

If you’re driving, be aware that road closures will be in place between 6 am and 12 noon.

Q Park Liverpool ONE or NCP Fazakerley Street are good parking options nearby.

Is the Santa Dash accessible?

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash sponsored is accessible and open to everyone. From those running for fun or to fundraise, Santas can walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair users.

Baby Santas in prams and even four-legged furry Santas are also welcome to participate.