Traffic on The Strand(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Thousands of Santas are expected to take over Liverpool this weekend as the annual BTR Santa Dash returns. The festive 5k fun run is taking place on Sunday, December 7, with 9,000 people having signed up to take part.
The Christmas tradition began in 2004, thanks to race director Alan Rothwell and has only grown since – last year’s dash drew in 8,556 red, blue, and mini Santas. This was the largest number of entries for a decade.
Kicking off at the Pier Head at 9.30am, the course takes runners through the Royal Albert Dock and onwards into the heart of the city. Making a finish outside the Town Hall, Santas will be greeted by a spectacle complete with characters on stilts and “real” snow.
Alan said: “Time is running out to sign up and be part of the biggest festive 5K fun run in the UK, and it’s right here in Liverpool. The event has grown massively in the last couple of years – firmly positioning it as a real highlight in the city’s annual event calendar.
Liverpool Santa Dash competitors in cowboy hats & heart-shaped sunglasses.(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“There is nothing quite like the sight of seeing thousands of red, blue, and mini Santas making their way to Pier Head Liverpool on event morning to gather and kick-start the festivities.
“The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is a real labour of love for the BTR Team. The shop at St Johns Shopping Centre has already been open for four weeks and it’s been extremely busy – with excitement steadily mounting as Santas call in to register and collect everything they need.
“The event is likely to be another sell-out so do not miss out. The joy is infectious.”
The event features the world-famous BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K and a shorter run for youngsters aged 12 and under with the Mini Dash 1K, which starts in Castle Street at 11am
Road closures
More than 8,000 participants, known as Santas, took part in the annual charity fundraising Liverpool Santa Dash event(Image: PA)
Traffic on The Strand will be held at 9.25am until the last runner enters James Street. Runners cross the grandstand finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall between an estimated time of 9:50am and 10:45am. The following 18 roads will be closed to accommodate the event:
The StrandHartley QuaySalthouse QuayGower StreetJames StreetLord StreetNorth John StreetVictoria StreetStanley StreetDale StreetHatton GardenVauxhall RoadLeeds StreetOld Hall StreetTithebarn StreetMoorfieldsDale StreetLiverpool Town Hall
Roads will be re-opened on a rolling basis as the event passes through and when it is safe to do so. Castle Street and James Street will remain closed until the end of the event. Back markers are expected to pass certain locations at estimated times:
Gower Street turning into The Strand: 9:45amLord Street turning into North John Street: 10amVauxhall Road turning into Leeds Street: 10:15amOld Hall Street turning into Tithebarn Street: 10:30amDale Street to Town Hall: 10:45am
Leeds Street will be open towards Scotland Road only.