IN recent years, Liverpool and Las Vegas have enjoyed friendly banter as to who attracts the most participants to its annual Santa Dash. Vegas might have the Sands casino to retire to afterwards, but it will never have a pub like Coopers - Sinatra ditties optional.
Now the race is on to enter the spectacle that is the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash, 2014.
The 10th anniversary fun run takes place on Sunday, 7 December, starting at 9.30am from the city’s Pier Head waterfront – and entries are now officially open.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash grows in popularity each year, with people using the event to kick-start their festivities.
Where will you end up? The Liverpool pub on James Street saw several Santas beardless and legless (from all that running) last year for the teatime karaoke.
Last year, Liverpool’s event attracted 10,299 participants, but was narrowly beaten by the Las Vegas Great Santa Run who had an extra 902 Santas to win the 2013 battle.
Liverpool last took the honours in 2010, but organisers BTR Liverpool are determined to win it back during the event’s milestone 10th anniversary year.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “The Santa Dash is not just a fun run, it’s a huge festive spectacle – especially when you see over 10,000 Santas gathered at the start line on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pier Head.
“They then embark on a 5K run round the city and finish outside Liverpool Town Hall. It would be fitting for Liverpool to win back the unofficial title from Las Vegas during our 10th anniversary – so the race is on for entries.
“People walk round with a big smile as soon as they put that Santa suit on. The Santa Dash most definitely has the feel-good factor.”
Earlier this year, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was recognised nationally when it was named as Best Fun Run runner-up in The Running Awards 2014, in a category of 12 finalists.
Entries are now open the 2014 event. Participants are provided with a full Santa suit, and blue Santa suits are limited to just 500 so early registration is recommended. All finishers receive a commemorative medal. Early bird entry is £22 up to 8 November, and then £27.
The 1K Mini Dash for under 12s, starts in Castle Street at 11am, shortly after the main Santa Dash finishes. Mini Dash places are £11. Go here to enter.
