Liverpool Santa Dash: Thousands run through city streets

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Santa Dash in Liverpool
Image caption,

Thousands of people took part in the race through Liverpool city centre

More than 7,000 people have taken part in the annual charity Santa Dash through Liverpool city centre.

Former Liverpool FC player Alan Kennedy, boxer David Price and Big Brother winner Craig Phillips all dressed up as Father Christmas to take part in the event.

The 5km (2.7mile) race started at Liverpool's Pier Head and finished outside the Town Hall.

Many Everton supporters dressed in blue Santa suits to take part in the race.

There was also a mini dash for children aged under 12.

'Strength of community'

The 2010 event won the World Santa Challenge title beating a similar event in Las Vegas by about 2,000 entries.

Craig Phillips said: "This is the eighth year we've done it and each year it's got bigger and bigger.

"It just shows the strength of community in Liverpool - everybody comes together for big events like this."

One of the participants Martin McElroy, 34, from Speke was running for Wirral's Claire House Children's Hospice in memory of his daughter Beth who died earlier in the year.

He said: "I'll be doing something between a walk and a jog. I'm just aiming to get myself around the course. This is all for Beth today."

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