Liverpool’s annual Santa Dash festive fun run has been nominated for a national award.
The 5K run, which attracts people of all ages and all walks of life – including dogs donning Santa suits – has reached the final 12 in The Running Awards 2014, under the Best Fun Run category.
BTR Race Director, Alan Rothwell, told JMU Journalism: “The BTR Santa Dash Liverpool has become a firm favourite in the city’s events calendar, and because it is a fun run it is very inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a wonderful sight to see families running together – as there are not many races which cater for everyone.”
When the BTR Santa Dash was first launched in 2004, the event had 2,000 participants. It has continued to grow each year, attracting almost 10,300 runners at last year’s 10th anniversary dash.
Mr Rothwell added: “To win would be a huge accolade for the city, especially as there are another 11 unique races in the fun run category. The Santa Dash is such a wonderful and colourful sight, so to win would be special.
“Winning a national award would further help to raise of the profile of the Santa Dash, both locally and among the wider running community. This can only be a positive and hopefully encourage more entries, which will help with our bid to win back the World Record.”
Liverpool last held the World Record in 2010 and narrowly missed out last year to rival city Las Vegas, which boasted 11,201 entries.
This is the second award BTR have been shortlisted for this year, with the Wirral Half Marathon being nominated as Event of the Year in the Wirral Tourism Awards 2014.
Alan told JMU Journalism: “The Santa Dash is such a unique fun event for Liverpool – so please get behind us and cast your vote to help us win the award during our 10th anniversary year!”
Voting is open until 6pm on 10th April, with winners being announced the following evening at an awards gala in London and you can vote for the Liverpool Santa Dash at: https://therunningawards.com/