The countdown is officially on to next weekend’s BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2019 – and city businesses are lending their support to make it a huge success.
On Sunday 1st December, thousands of Santas will gather at the Pier Head, Liverpool, to dash their way through the city centre for the 16th consecutive year. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash starts at 9.30am.
Highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.
Each year, Liverpool is transformed into a sea of red, blue and mini Santas enjoying the inclusive festive experience.
The accessible event is open to everyone, and each year attracts thousands of walkers, joggers and runners – from individuals to families, charities and groups of work colleagues.
Santas have just one week left to register at the pop-up shop at St Johns Shopping Centre, located in the former New Look shop in Williamson Square.
The shop will remain open daily for registrations and Santa suit collection until 3pm on Saturday 30 November, the day before the Santa Dash.
Neil Ashcroft, Manager of St Johns Shopping Centre, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome BTR Liverpool Santa Dash back to St Johns Shopping Centre for the third year. St Johns is more festive than ever, with our new Christmas lights spilling out onto Williamson Square – and it’s great to see participants collecting their Santa suits in the lead up to one the best festive fun runs in the world. Our management team will also be grabbing their running shoes and Santa suits before hitting the start line on Sunday 1st December.”
Arriva North West is also supporting the event for the third consecutive year by offering participants free travel on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside throughout Santa Dash day (Sunday 1 December).
To claim complimentary bus travel to or from the city centre, Santas must be wearing their Santa suit and race number on the morning, or their Santa suit and finishers’ medal when travelling home afterwards. There is no time cut off time post run.
Lisa Pearson, Head of Marketing for Arriva North West and Wales, said: “Arriva North West is very proud to be supporting the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash for the third consecutive year. This is something that we look forward to, and it gets better every year. We are delighted to offer Santas free travel on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside throughout Santa Dash day. We Ho-Ho-Hope to see you on board soon.”
After crossing the start line at Pier Head Liverpool, Santas will make their way round the 5K city centre route, which includes Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. As participants head towards the finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall, they will be welcomed by stilt walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow before collecting their commemorative Santa Dash finishers’ medal.
The main 5K dash will be followed by the Mini Dash 1K for Santas aged 12 and under, which starts in Castle Street at approximately 11am.
The Mini Dash is being sponsored by The World’s Famous Grotto, located at St Johns Shopping Centre. The grotto is open now and will run through until Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December).
The grotto marks its 140th anniversary and to celebrate the milestone year, visitors can look forward to a festive journey through the ages through enchanting displays including a Magical Winter Wonderland, Cinderella, Toy Bazaar and Fairyland.
Guy Fennell, from The World’s Famous Grotto, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting both the Mini Dash 1K and the main BTR Liverpool Santa Dash. It’s great to be part of such a family friendly event in Liverpool and be involved in the community. Santa flew into Liverpool John Lennon Airport to ensure he is here to start both the Santa Dash and the Mini Dash. We’re also thrilled to sponsor the Mini Dash as part of our commitment to Liverpool while delivering the ultimate grotto experience for the children who come to meet Santa at St Johns Shopping Centre.”
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is also being supported by Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Radio City.
Radio City Breakfast Show hosts Leanne and Dave will host the start line stage activity on Santa Dash day, greeting runners and interviewing VIP guests.
Claire House Children’s Hospice is the charity partner for this year’s event. Charity places are still available to help raise vital funds at a time the charity is facing increased demand for its vital support and services.
For more details contact Claire House on 0151 343 0883, email events@clairehouse.org.uk or visit www.clairehouse.org.uk for more details.
First staged in 2004, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was created by BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell. BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events across Liverpool City Region.
Online entries for the Santa Dash have now closed. However Santas can still register in person at the Santa Dash pop-up shop in Williamson Square or by visiting the BTR office at 82 Market Street in Hoylake, Wirral.
Full details can be found at https://www.btrliverpool.com/santa-dash
