The official charity partner for one of Liverpool’s most spectacular annual events has been announced. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 6 December – this its 23rd annual event. The fun run starts at 9.30am from Pier Head Liverpool. This week marks a three-month countdown to Santa Dash day.
This year, organisers BTR Liverpool are working with Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice as the Official Charity Partner. The charity was formerly known as Liverpool Zoe’s Place. The charity has secured 100 places for supporters to join Team Little Lights. The charity’s dashing Santas will be part of one the city’s most joyful festive traditions – while raising vital funds for local babies, young children, and their families.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is one of Liverpool’s most iconic and quirky annual events – and is the largest festive 5K fun run in the UK. Many spectators also join in with the spirit of the day, which sees the city centre transformed into a sea of red, blue, and mini Santas. Last year, an incredible 11,100 Santas dashed through the streets of Liverpool to kick-start Christmas in the city. This was the biggest turn-out for over a decade, building on 8,500 entries in 2024. And this year, organisers BTR Liverpool are keen to attract even more Santas.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was first staged in 2004, it was created by BTR Liverpool Founder Alan Rothwell.
Everyone running for Little Lights will wear a special Santa hat, creating pockets of bright yellow amongst the red and blue. Yellow Santa hats will be available at the event for a charity donation. This will give everyone attending – taking part or spectating – the opportunity to show their support for the much-loved charity.
The main 5K Santa Dash route takes Santas on a route from Pier Head Liverpool, along The Strand, through Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and round the city centre, before a showstopping finish line at Liverpool Town Hall featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow. The event also includes the Mini Dash 1K for youngsters aged 12 and under. The Mini Dash starts in Castle Street once Santas have completed the 5K route. Last year, more than 600 mini Santas took part.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is fully inclusive, and everyone is welcome to take part – walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, charities, families, baby Santas in prams, and four-legged furry Santas.
Adults joining Team Little Lights are asked to raise a minimum of £120, while children are asked to raise at least £60. Every pound raised will go directly to Little Lights, helping the charity continue providing specialist respite care, therapies, and bereavement support for babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as vital support for their families. With only 100 Team Little Lights places available, supporters are encouraged to register their interest early by visiting www.lzp.org.uk
Christian Logue, CEO of Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be the Official Charity Partner for this year’s BTR Liverpool Santa Dash. It is one of the most uplifting events in the city, bringing thousands of people together for a wonderful morning of festive fun.
“We would love families, friends, businesses, and community groups from across Liverpool City Region to join Team Little Lights. Whether you run, jog or walk, every step you take and every pound you raise will help us continue to be there for the children and families who need us.
“Our yellow Santa hats will make Team Little Lights easy to spot on the day, and we hope to see a wave of yellow making its way through the city. Even if you aren’t taking part, you can purchase a hat at the event and wear it proudly to show your support.”
Everyone taking part in the 5K main Santa Dash will receive the same festive themed, purple commemorative finishers’ medal. 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.
BTR Liverpool is the leading organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its annual calendar of competitive races and fun runs take place between March and December. The portfolio also includes Liverpool Half Marathon, Mersey Tunnel 10K, Port Sunlight Road Race, Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, Wirral 10K, and Run For The 97.
Alan Rothwell, BTR Liverpool Founder, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Little Lights Liverpool Baby Hospice as our Official Charity Partner for this year’s BTR Liverpool Santa Dash. The charity is highly regarded in the city region, providing vital services to children and their families at incredibly very difficult and challenging times.
“Santa Dash day is iconic, it’s joyful and memorable. Christmastime is all about children and families – so working with Little Lights is a great fit. We hope to see plenty of pockets of vibrant yellow hats on the day.” In 2025, BTR Liverpool and its successful portfolio of events was acquired by Run For All. Mass participation events company Run For All is wholly owned by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, and continues to honour her ongoing legacy.
For full details about the event visit www.btrliverpool.com
