Las Vegas First In Festive Fun

7 DEC2011

Despite witnessing its best ever turnout in 8 years, Liverpool was usurped by Las Vegas in this weekend's World Santa Challenge. An impressive 8,123 Santa clad runners took to the streets of Las Vegas, giving the city the upper hand in their transatlantic festive contest.

While Liverpool recorded a comprehensive victory in the 2010 event with more than 2,000 runners taking part, this year's increase of 99 entries - up from 7,312 to 7,411 - wasn't enough to retain the title.

The Las Vegas Santa Run co-ordinator, Linda Smith, commented: "This is a fantastic day for all those taking part in Santa runs across the world and I'm especially pleased that we have just beaten the Liverpool Santa Dash to the title this year. Liverpool has led the way for Festive Fun Running for many years now and we are so pleased to have beaten the best."

Alan Rothwell, the Liverpool Santa Dash organiser, was keen to stress that the city will look to win back its title next year: "We will need to show just as much determination next year and bring the SanTaz trophy back to Liverpool. I would like to say a massive thank you to all those that made the day the best yet, despite the poor weather conditions. Well done to everyone."

Even though they were unable to record victory in this year's race, the high turnout is expected to raise thousands of pounds for the event's official charities Cash For Kids and Liverpool Unites.