Liverpool Santa Dash, Sunday 1st December 2013
New Year, new challenge
Well it was a big disappointment to not secure the Guinness World Record last after so much expectation but the good news is… we have just on 1,000 more entries than in 2011 so the growth of the event continues.
This year will be the 10th Anniversary of the Santa Dash and we will be looking to host the biggest and best Festive Fun ever and maybe attack the World Record once again!
The 2012 Santa Dash was once again a great spectacle with all 8,000 places being taken up and all 500 places in the Mini Dash were taken up as well.
The event supported the Text Santa fund raising initiative and helped generate more than £5,000,0000 so a massive thank you to everyone who helped raise money for charities this year.
Looking to enter?
Unfortunately, entries do not open until 1st July 2013.
Merry race day!
Well it’s safe to say you won’t have seen anything like this. Guaranteed.
This is truly something that you have to see for yourself to believe it. The sight at the start line as 8,000 Dashing Santas stand ready to race through the city centre is something else – and then it starts moving as joggers, walkers and racers of all abilities cascade along the city streets everything starts to turn red – with the odd splash of blue. Unreal.
But the day starts much earlier that this with trains, buses and car parks all full with festive fun as runners converge on the city. It’s smiles all round on MerseyRail as the packed Sunday morning trains make their way toward James Street with not a seat to spare.
Wherever you look there are Santas – in bus stops, coffee shops, doorways – all laughing and smiling as the party gets bigger and bigger. And at 9.30am the party starts for real as they all set off on their 5K trek with the best view of all looking up the Churchill Way flyover from Dale Street as the masses of bobbing red heads head out toward London Road.
It puts a smile on your face.
And if that’s not enough the atmosphere increases yet again at the bottom of Moorfields just before the finish with the booming sound and rhythmic beat of the Batala band drums pounding relentlessly to send runner along the last 100 yards with a last bit of enthusiasm. And as the pace drops approaching the finish line the snow falls from the skyline as you are cheered on by an 8 foot reindeer, snowman and Father Christmas.
The excitement continues as the medals are given out and the laughter and smiles beam out from every face in the crowd.
Yes folks, this is the kick start for Christmas and nobody does it better than Liverpool.
Around the route
The Santa Dash course starts and finishes in Liverpool city centre with a 5K route beginning at the Pier Head on Canada Boulevard in front of the Liver Buildings. It finishes in front of the Town Hall at Castle Street. The full course map illustrates the complete course.
How can we help?
We get asked a variety of questions about our events. If you cannot find the answer below, please email us and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Can anyone enter the Santa Dash?
The Santa Dash is a 5K FUN RUN and the minimum age for entry is 15 years on event day. If you between 12 – 15 years on 1st December then you can still enter with parental consent. This facility is on the paper entry form only. You cannot give parental consent via the online entry system as a signature is required.
What is the Mini Dash?
The Mini Dash is a short 1 Kilometer fun run for children aged 12 and under. The Mini Dash starts in Castle Street alongside the finish line and goes off at approximately 11.00am when the 5K runners are back. Parents or Guardians are required to accompany their children around the course but don’t have to enter the run. Parents wishing to take part in the Min Dash in full costume must enter the main Santa Dash run as the places in the Mini Dash are limited to 500. A Santa suit is provided for entrants to the Mini Dash. It is one size only and will fit an average 9 year old. Alternative sizes are not available. Mini Dash Entries. For 2013 entrants will be identified by a YELLOW number and only those participants will be allowed on the Mini Dash start line.
Where do I get my Santa suit?
The Santa suit is provided as part of the entry fee for both 5K and Mini Dash runs. The suits will be available for collection from early November from the event office at 23 Hatton Garden in Liverpool city centre. The suits is one size only.
Does any of the entry fee go to charity?
No. The entry fee is used to stage the event and cover all operational costs.
Do I get a medal?
Yes you do. Upon completion you will receive a medal at the finish line. Mini Dash participants will also receive a medal at the finish line.
Can I enter in person?
Yes you can. Entries can be taken at the event office at btr, 23 Hatton Garden, Liverpool L3 2FE
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