A group of 40 Santas have toured Liverpool on an open-top bus to launch this year’s Santa Dash.
The countdown is now on to Sunday, December 4 as the UK’s biggest festive fun run prepares to celebrate its 13th year.
A host of familiar faces including actors from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Benidorm hopped onto the open-top bus to take the Santa Dash message on the road.
The Thomas brothers turned out in force to support the event – Ryan plays Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street; Adam plays Adam Barton in Emmerdale; and Scott has appeared in dating series Love Island.
They joined Liverpool actors Philip Olivier and Kurtis Stacey, sponsors, and representatives and mascots from the event’s official charities – Radio City’s Cash For Kids, Everton in the Community, and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
A team of 20 personal training and fitness instructor students from The City of Liverpool College also took part. They are volunteering at the Santa Dash.
The group of Santas and guests met at the Pier Head on Canada Boulevard, where the 5K race will start, in full view of the city’s Three Graces.
Over 1,500 people have already registered and organisers BTR Liverpool are encouraging more to sign up to make the run bigger than ever before in a bid to win back the world title from Las Vegas.
The little ones also have their very own fun run – the 1K Mini Dash is for youngsters aged 12 and under. It starts in Castle Street when the main Santa Dash has finished, and also finishes at Liverpool Town Hall.
Alan Rothwell, BTR’s Race Director and creator of the Liverpool Santa Dash, said: “The Liverpool Santa Dash is an event like no other.
“It really is a festive spectacular with the city being transformed into a sea of red, blue and mini Santas.
“It’s a spectacular sight and a real highlight in the BTR event calendar.
“Come and join the fun, it’s a day you won’t forget.”
Blue Santa suits and Mini Dash numbers are both limited to 500 places – so participants are encouraged to enter early to guarantee a place.
From November 1 until December 3, participants can call in to either Rapid Discount Outlet in Liverpool city centre or the BTR office at 82 Market Street, Hoylake, to sign up and collect their Santa suit.
You can also register online at www.btrliverpool.com