A sea of red and blue Santas filled the streets of Liverpool for the annual Santa Dash which saw the real Father Christmas arrive by helicopter with two of his elves to officially start the 5km fun run.

A total of 7,411 people took part in the fun, beating last year’s figure of 7,312 runners.
Organisers Run Liverpool, hope to retain the world record which was set in Liverpool last year, but the official count for the Las Vegas Santa Dash won’t be known until later this week. Alan Rothwell, race director at RunLiverpool, said of the day, “it’s been a fantastic turn out and we are head to head with Las Vegas, we are counting final numbers now it’s going to be a close competition indeed.”

Participating charity partners Liverpool Echo Unites and Radio City’s Cash For Kids were among many who were raising vital funds for young people across the region, including Claire House and Help The Heroes. Sarah West and 15 of the crew from HMS Shoreham which docked in Liverpool this week also joined the team.

Queenies Charity Patron Esther McVey joined Santa Dash ambassadors Craig Phillips, champion boxer David Price and LFC legend Alan Kennedy. Liverpool Leaders, Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast joined MP Steve Rotherham and Cllr Anna Rothery on the start line to address the runners in a series of interviews.

Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast says “Anything that raises money for charities in these very difficult conditions is so great. Liverpool is famous for its charitable nature bringing people together for the many organisations which rely on our support. No matter whether the donation is big or small it all means so much. An event like this which raises so much for so many charities is fantastic! We want to keep the World Santa Challenge title in Liverpool so we can continue to raise much needed funds.”

Celebrity hairdresser Herbert Howe, who brought the real Santa to Liverpool said, “It’s unbelievable he’s here in Liverpool. It’s my time to give magic to the city. At this time of year not everybody gets the opportunity to visit Santa in Lapland so I wanted to bring Lapland to Liverpool and what a great turn out. Queenies charity is in memory of my mother who would love nothing more than the city to unite together at this time to believe in the magic of Christmas.”

Ricky Tomlinson and leading lady of stage and screen Jennifer Ellison supported the runners along with Santa from the Town Hall balcony as the winners made their way through the streets of Liverpool to the finish line.

Everton and Liverpool Football clubs participated in the race with legends Joe Parkinson for the blues and Alan Kennedy for the reds whose sporting achievements stretch far and wide. Alan Kennedy said, “This is what Christmas is all about, seeing the kids so happy. There’s such a great atmosphere in this great city today.”

After the race a special VIP reception was held in Sakura Liverpool where guests enjoyed a special selection of Japanese food served with flare in the sumptuous private dining area.

Christine Chellew of Chellew productions who launched the ‘Back the Dash’ campaign with Runliverpool said, “I want to say a huge thank you to all who have backed the dash this year and for making the day so memorable for the city”.

Radio City Pete Price asks you to “Back The Dash.” During his show on City Talk he invited all his viewers to join the dash and was joined by Santa himself who made a surprise visit.

Pete is a Patron of Queenies Charity, set up by Herbert who are hosting their ball this evening (Thursday night) raising much needed funds for children across merseyside.  Pete will join patrons on Sunday to welcome back the runners joining Santa on the Balcony of Liverpool Town Hall.
The real Father Christmas will start the dash on Sunday in an open top car and greet all at the town hall before starting the mini dash for an expected 800 children who are taking part.