Liverpool Santa Dash 2022 countdown is on

Thousands of runners are preparing to transform Liverpool city centre into a sea of Santas when they take part in this year’s fundraising Santa Dash.

The BTR Liverpool event on Sunday, December 4, is now in its 19th year. Its 2022 official event charity is Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with fundraising Father Christmases supporting its ongoing Surgical Neonatal Appeal.

And Arriva North West is offering competitors free travel on its network on the day – as long as they are wearing their Santa suit and official race number.

This year’s event starts on the Pier Head at 9.30am. The 5k route takes runners along the Strand and into the Royal Albert Dock, then through the city centre before heading to the grandstand finish line at Liverpool Town Hall – complete with ‘real’ snow and festive characters.

A Mini Dash for youngsters aged 12 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 crossing the finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall.

The entry fee (£25 for red suits, £27 for blue suits, £13 for the Mini Dash) covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, goody bags, and entertainment.

Above: Santas (and a reindeer) running in the 2021 event. Top: Santas on the Pier Head. Photos by Paul Francis Cooper.

BTR Liverpool also organises the Tour Of Merseyside, Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon, Mersey Tunnel 10K, Port Sunlight Road Race 5K and 10K, and Run For The 97.

Race Director Alan Rothwell says: “We plan for the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash all year round. The weeks are flying by and now we are just five weeks until this festive spectacular returns for 2022. We’re thrilled to once again welcome Arriva North West into the Santa Dash family with their very generous support of free bus travel for Santas throughout event day.

“We’re working closely with headline sponsor Park Christmas Savings, event charity Alder Hey Children’s Charity, and media partner In Demand Radio – who are all on-board for a second year – to ensure a fantastic day filled with fun, laughter, and big smiles.

"It's a very special day. Come and experience it for yourself.”

A pop-up shop at St Johns for sign up and suit collection opens on November 1. For full details on the event and online entry, visit the website HERE