Mersey Cares joins the festive fun at Liverpool Santa Dash launch
This weekend, thousands of blue-and-white Santas will take to the streets of Liverpool for the Liverpool Santa Dash 2025 – a much-loved festive tradition that has been lighting up the city since 2004.
As one of BTR Liverpool’s eight official charity partners, Mersey Care NHS Charity was proud to attend the official event launch last week at the Santa Dash pop-up shop in St John’s Shopping Centre. The launch brought together representatives from all eight charities, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Barbara Murray, Clare Simmo from In Demand Radio (the event’s media partner), and Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director of St John’s Shopping Centre.
During the visit, we were treated to mince pies and a sneak preview of this year’s glittering commemorative finishers’ medal – featuring festive Santas and snowmen – and joined in the excitement as final preparations for the much-loved event were underway.
About the Santa Dash
First staged in 2004, the Liverpool Santa Dash has grown into the UK’s largest festive 5K fun run, attracting thousands of participants each year. This year’s event is set to be bigger than ever, with 9,000 Santas already signed up. The 5K route starts at Pier Head at 9:30am, winds through the iconic Royal Albert Dock, and finishes in style at Liverpool Town Hall, complete with stilt walkers, festive characters, and real snow.
Our teams are ready to dash!
We’re thrilled to have teams of Dashers taking part to raise vital funds for our NHS mental health and community services. Among them is the Halton Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) team, running to support improvements for both service users and staff. CYPMHS provides essential emotional and mental health support for children and young people across Widnes and Runcorn.
Help them to reach their fundraising target (they’re so close!)
Get involved - there is still time until 6 December!
Although online entries have now closed, final registrations are being taken at the Santa Dash pop-up shop in St John’s Shopping Centre (lower level near the Matalan bridge and Post Office) until Saturday 6 December (5pm). Here you can also collect your Santa suits for those who registered online. Opening hours:
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said ahead of the event:
“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 event has grown massively in the last couple of year – firmly positioning it as a real highlight in the city’s annual event calendar."
We’re so proud to be part of this incredible event and can’t wait to see thousands of Santas dash through Liverpool this Sunday!