In just 100 days thousands of dashing Santas will descend on the streets of Liverpool for the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.
The world-famous BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K and 1K Mini Dash returns on Sunday 7 December 2025.
An astonishing 1,000 eager Santas have already signed up – double the number of sign-ups at the same point last year.
Highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas, the event day countdown and medal reveal always prove to be real high points for exited Santas.
Last year’s BTR Liverpool Santa Dash sold out a week before dash day – a first for the event. It attracted over 8,500 red, blue and mini Santa entries, making it the biggest dash for a decade.
Created by BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell, the very first Liverpool Santa Dash took place in 2004.
It has continued to evolve over the past two decades. In 2007, the Mini Dash 1K was introduced for youngsters aged 12 and under, while blue Santa suits were added to the fun in 2010 due to public demand.
Blue suits are limited, so Santas are encouraged to register early to ensure they do not miss out.
Online entries are open at https://www.btrliverpool.com/santa-dash-event
This year’s medal comes in a choice of red or blue to match the Santa Dash registration and suit colour.
Generous in size, it is heavily glittered and features Santas and snowmen. Medals are made from 100% recycled zinc.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K route starts from Pier Head Liverpool at 9.30am and finishes outside Liverpool Town Hall, with a showstopping finish line featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.
The route includes dashing through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate. The route was changed in 2018 to include the waterfront attraction after the Churchill Flyover in Liverpool city centre was demolished.
The Mini Dash 1K is for youngsters aged 12 and under. It starts at approximately 11am in Castle Street, once all Santas in the main dash have completed the course. The youngsters follow a similar city centre route before also crossing the vibrant finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall.
Walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, charities, families, baby Santas in prams, and four-legged furry Santas.
BTR Liverpool is the leading organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region.
A packed BTR event calendar features competitive races and fun runs between March and December. The portfolio also includes BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler, BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, Run For The 97, and Port Sunlight Road Race.
In Demand Radio is the event’s Official Media Partner. Sponsors and supporting partners will be announced in the coming weeks.
Before the festivities of the iconic Liverpool Santa Dash family fun run, BTR have two competitive races this Autumn.
The BTR Women’s 10K and 5K is on Sunday 14 September in Sefton Park, followed by the BTR Wirral 10K on Sunday 12 October at New Brighton. The medals feature course landmarks – Sefton Park’s Eros statue, and Wirral’s Perch Rock Lighthouse.
This year’s event figures have already exceeded all expectations, with the BTR team working tirelessly to further strengthen its standing within the running community.
BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“Back in March we began our 2025 events with the 12,000-strong BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler. And in a flash, here we are, counting down 100 days to our final event of the year, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and revealing the much anticipated medal.
“These two events have raced ahead in the popularity stakes in the last couple of years – and this trend is continuing. It’s very positive to see and the team strive to make the races better with each year.
“Staging the Santa Dash is a huge task – and selling out last year was a surprise to us all. Santas were dashing to sign up daily! We’ve already doubled the number of entries for this time last year – smashing the 1,000 barrier for red, blue, and mini Santa Dash places. I’d advise people to sign up as early as possible. We’ve got plenty to announce in the coming weeks so watch this space.
“But before we take over the city with Santas and turn Pier Head Liverpool red and blue, we have another two events to stage first. Join us in September for the Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, and the Wirral 10K in October. Race or dash – come and join the BTR fun.”
BTR Liverpool is supporting eight charities spanning the 2025 event portfolio. Participants can support their vital work by fundraising for them on race day. Full details can be found on the BTR website.
Charity partners for the 2025 event portfolio are Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash entry fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, goody bags, and entertainment.
Next year’s event portfolio will begin with the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler on Sunday 15 March 2026.
Full details about BTR Liverpool events visit www.btrliverpool.com
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