More than 10,600 red, blue and pint-sized Santas will swarm Liverpool city centre this Sunday (7 December) for what has become one of the city’s most recognisable pre-Christmas rituals.

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash — billed as the UK’s biggest festive 5K — is on track for its largest turnout since the event began in 2004. Limited places remain at the pop-up shop in St Johns Shopping Centre, which is expected to close registrations when it shuts at 5pm on Saturday.

Last year’s 8,500-strong crowd has already been surpassed, with blue Santa places — capped at 1,000 — selling out in early November. More than 600 mini runners are also set to join the fun.

The main 5K begins at 9.30am at Pier Head, weaving through Royal Albert Dock and the city centre before finishing at Liverpool Town Hall — complete with stilt-walkers and artificial snow. The Mini Dash 1K for children aged 12 and under follows at 11am from Castle Street.

St Johns is hosting the registration hub for the ninth year, with 40 of its staff taking part. Santas from as far afield as Australia, South Korea, Germany, Spain and France have signed up, along with runners from across the UK and Ireland. The youngest participant is four-month-old Luca McGreary, wearing number 1 in the Mini Dash, while 88-year-old David Bliss is the most senior in the main event.

Lord Mayor Councillor Barbara Murray will officially start the race and later cheer on the younger participants. Former Liverpool FC goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, an ambassador for LFC Foundation, is also joining the dash. “Father Chello”, last year’s crowd favourite, will return as official Santa.

In Demand Radio is media partner, with presenters hosting entertainment at the start and finish lines and airing shows live from the event. Arriva North West is offering free travel to and from the city for suit-wearing participants and medal-wearing finishers.

Rock Choir Liverpool will perform along the route for a third year, while drumming group Katumba will greet Santas on Dale Street before leading a finale after the mini runners cross the line. The celebration continues with a free after-party at Gravity MAX in Liverpool ONE from midday.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “Places are limited and are likely to sell-out – making it the biggest ever Liverpool Santa Dash. It’s a unique experience… the smiles and laughter are infectious.”

Runners are encouraged to raise funds for one of eight local charities, while dozens of workforce teams — including 120 from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service — will take part.