The annual Maldon Mud Race sees around 300 competitors complete a 400-metre dash over the muddy bed of the River Blackwater in Promenade Park. Taking place at low tide, the runners – often kitted out in fancy dress – have to make their way to the opposite bank of the river and back again. In addition, the event is accompanied by numerous promotional stalls and a charity duck race.

This Maldon mud race began in 1974 when a regular at a local pub was challenged to serve a meal on the riverbank dressed in a dinner jacket. The challenge evolved into a race across the river to a waiting barrel of beer. Before, people drank a pint of beer there and raced back. Barrels of beer have long disappeared and the race has become a charity event,with many participants wearing fancy dress.

The race can only take place when the tide is low enough to allow participants to cross the river safely. Participants start from one bank and make their way to the other side. They run for 200 metres of mud along the river and then return to the original river bank.

Reference and website to find out more visit