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PHOTO: PAUL FRANCIS COOPER
CHRISTMAS ARRIVES EARLY IN CITY AS
6,000 SANTAS DASH THROUGH LIVERPOOL
More than 6,000 excited runners in Liverpool pulled on their
running shoes last weekend to take part in the UK’s biggest festive
5K fun run.
The 16th annual BTR Liverpool Santa Dash saw the city centre
transformed into Winter wonderland for the festive spectacular.
Highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas, there was even
‘real’ snow to make the event more special for the thousands of red,
blue and mini Santas.
The established event was first staged in 2004, and entries have
already opened for next year with an early bird price. The BTR
Liverpool Santa Dash 2020 takes place on Sunday 6 December – blue
places are limited. This year’s international Santas travelled from the
Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, as well
as Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Special guests included Radio City Breakfast Show hosts Leanne
and Dave; Lord Mayor Of Liverpool Councillor Anna Rothery;
Everton in the Community Ambassador and Blues’ legend Graeme
Sharp; Liverpool Football Club Chief Executive Peter Moore; singer
Stephen McNally from band BBMak; Liverpool actor Kurtis Stacey;
Miss Liverpool Finley Unsworth; and Everton fans’ favourite Speedo
Mick.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2019 was supported by St Johns
Shopping Centre; The World’s Famous Grotto; Arriva North West;
Radio City; Royal Albert Dock Liverpool; and Appreciate Group.
Volunteer teams on the day included Claire House Children’s
Hospice; Dockside Runners; Everton in the Community; and
Merseyside Army Cadet Force.
More than 150 Santas took part to fundraise for charity partner
Claire House Children’s Hospice, which has bases in Wirral and
Liverpool. Santa's gathered at Pier Head Liverpool before setting
off on the 5K route, which took them through the Grade I Listed
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and the city centre, before enjoying
a grandstand finish outside Liverpool Town Hall. Royal Albert
Dock Liverpool featured for the second year and now replaces the
Churchill flyover part of the route.
The event also included the Mini Dash 1K, sponsored by The World’s
Famous Grotto at St Johns Shopping Centre, for youngsters aged 12
and under.
All Santas were given a special finish line celebration on Dale Street
with entertainment from Liverpool drum/percussion band Katumba
drumming band, stilt walking festive characters, and ‘real’ snow as
they completed the Santa Dash and collected their commemorative
finishers’ medal.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is an accessible event and is open to
everyone. The event attracts wheelchair participants, walkers, joggers
and runners, taking part with friends, families, charities, colleagues
– even tiny Santas in prams and countless four-legged furry Santas.
For the third consecutive year, Arriva North West offered Santas
free travel on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside throughout
Santa Dash day.
It was a poignant day for the Furlong family from Aintree, who took
part in memory of their mum Jayne who passed away suddenly
in August. Jayne had previously taken part almost every year, and
also volunteered when Scottish Power was a sponsor in 2017. The
group of 30 included Jayne’s daughters Emma and Sophie; Emma’s
18-month old daughter Esme; and best friend Debbie Ashton.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash acts as a platform for community
groups, businesses and charities to fundraise independently while
taking part.
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