03/07/2026
ENTRIES SET TO OPEN FOR WORLD-FAMOUS LIVERPOOL SANTA DASH
Event day is Sunday 6 December 2026
Santa Dash 5K fun run, followed by Mini Dash 1K
Blue Santa places are limited
Race is on to dash past last year’s number of Santas
Entries open today (Friday 3 July) for one of Liverpool’s most iconic and quirky annual events.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 6 December 2026, starting at 9.30am from Pier Head Liverpool.
The eye-catching spectacular 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.
Online entries open at 9am on Friday 3 July, register at https://www.btrliverpool.com/events/liverpool-santa-dash/
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was created by BTR Liverpool Founder Alan Rothwell, and was first staged in 2004. This year marks the 23rd event – which includes a virtual event during the pandemic.
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.
Everyone taking part in the 5K main Santa Dash – red and blue Santas – will receive the same medal. The commemorative memento will be festive themed and purple in colour.
Last year’s event recorded the largest number of blue Santas reaching 1,000 places. Blue places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
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.
The uplifting, inspiring event has established itself as a firm favourite in the city’s events calendar, massively boosting the city’s economy on the day including hospitality venues.
The 2025 event also saw Santas flying in from across the world to dash, representing countries including Australia, France, Germany, Spain, South Korea – as well as those closer to home from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
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.
BTR Liverpool is supporting 10 charities across the 2026 event portfolio. Santas are encouraged to fundraise to support the vital community work of local charities.
The event charities for 2026 are Alder Hey Children’s Charity; British Heart Foundation; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Little Lights Baby Hospice; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Open Door; and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
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, commented:
“The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is iconic. It’s the biggest festive 5K fun run in the UK, we continue to attract people from across the world – and it takes place right here in Liverpool. The event is quirky, memorable, and you only have to look at the smiles on the faces of thousands of Santas on the day. Every single Santa plays a part in making the day such an incredibly special event, and they should feel proud.
“Entries are now open. It may be July and the height of Summer, but excitement and anticipation will steadily build from now right through to Santa Dash day itself.
“Remember you can also support good causes while having a great time dashing. Alongside our 10 charity partners across the BTR portfolio for 2026, hundreds of good causes use the event as a platform to raise much-needed funds. The entry fee pays to stage the entire event. So please fundraise to help our brilliant charities if you can.”
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.
