Maldon Mud Race celebrates its fiftieth anniversary

Hundreds of contestants gathered today to take part in in the Maldon Mud Race as the charity event marks its 50th anniversary.  

What started off life as a challenge amongst regulars at a local pub in Maldon, Essex, to serve a sit-down meal in a dinner jacket on the boggy banks of the River Chelmer, has since transformed into a major event which raises thousands for charity.  

The Maldon Mud Race see contestants race in a 500 metres dash through thick mud on the riverbanks with many entrants wearing fancy dress. 

The start line begins at Promenade Park where the brave runners run down the mudflats and onto the banks of the river but that is the easiest part. 

Once they are over the banks the mud becomes much more gloopy and harder to wade through – which is all part of the fun of the race. 

The Maldon Mud Race see contestants race in a 500 metres dash through thick mud on the riverbanks with many entrants wearing fancy dress

The start line begins at Promenade Park where the brave runners run down the mudflats and onto the banks of the river but that is the easiest part. Once they are over the banks the mud becomes much more gloopy and harder to wade through – which is all part of the fun of the race

Contestants braved the bog to clamour through mud and sludge – some of which appeared to be knee deep

Luckily for the muddy participants, along the route they could wash off the dirt in swallow areas of the river

 It is a race which hundreds enter and thousands of local spectators watch and this year’s event was no exception.

Contestants braved the bog to clamour through mud and sludge – some of which appeared to be knee deep.

Luckily for the muddy participants, along the route they could wash off the dirt in swallow areas of the river. 

Some fancy dress costumes this year included a king, a group of garden gnomes and a person dressed as an Australian – wearing a Kangaroo on their head. 

This year’s winner was a Mr Carlson. Speaking to BBC Essex he said: ‘It was fantastic it was my first race but obviously it paid off. 

‘I had a strategy to keep in the bank and take long strides and it paid off and I came first and I’m very happy.’  

Ahead of this year’s race, Chairman of The Maldon Mud Race, Brian Farrington, said: ‘The day involves nearly 12 months of pre-planning and there are always a few surprises. 

‘As the event grows, we are expanding our offering to include our Duck Race, Fancy Dress Competition for competitors plus a wide range of stalls with snacks and promotional gifts.’ 

He added: ‘Last year saw nearly 20,000 people attend the event so we are hoping to raise even more money for the charities. Last year we distributed over £35,000 and we are looking for this to be the best year ever.’