Liverpool has won the World Santa Challenge for 2014, taking the title for the world's biggest Santa run from Las Vegas.

A total of 8,500 santas of all ages from children to pensioners took to city waterfront streets for what has become Liverpool's biggest annual festive spectacle.

Runners were dressed in familiar bright red Santa costumes except for 750 participants who did the dash in blue costumes, to show their support for their premiership football club, Everton.

The weekend run, which was Liverpool's 10th Santa Dash, took place a day after less than 8,000 participants took part in the nearest rival event in Las Vegas.

Organisers of the Liverpool event, following official verification of the number of runners, announced Monday night that it had regained the world title it lost in 2010.

A spokesman for organisers BRT said: "Liverpool recorded 8,500 - so have regained the title, finally winning it back since last holding it in 2010. Official figures are in the process of being counted but the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash is now officially both the UK's and the world's biggest festive fun run."

Santas travelled far and wide to take part in the Liverpool event, from all parts of Britain as well as further afield. A number of overseas participants travelled from the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa and Switzerland.

The historic Mersey Ferries ran special early morning sailings to enable hundreds of Santas from across the River Mersey to reach the starting point.

The 5K event started at Liverpool Pier Head, the city's iconic waterfront, under the gaze of the famous Liver Birds, perched on the Royal Liverpool Building.

The event also featured the biggest ever Mini Dash of 1K for youngsters aged 12 and under, with 750 youngsters enjoying their own race after the main 5K Santa Dash had been completed.

Santa Dash organiser Alan Rothwell said: "It is very fitting that we have regained the World Santa Challenge title on our 10th anniversary. We are absolutely thrilled. We are now not only the UK's biggest festive fun run - but now also the world's biggest."

Rothwell has already opened the list for next year's event, determined Liverpool should retain its title.