COMPETITORS rushed into the river Blackwater as the world famous Maldon Mud Race returned.
The annual race originated in 1973, with a dare being given by a local resident to the landlord of the Queens Head public house, which stands on the Hythe Quay in Maldon, challenging him to serve a meal on the saltings of the Rivers Blackwater dressed in a dinner jacket.
The challenge was accepted and carried out, resulting next year in a bar being opened on the saltings.
About twenty people made a mad dash across the river bed, drank a pint of beer and dashed back.
This year’s race, which took place on Sunday, saw thousands of visitors descend on the town.
There was live music, a fun fair, stalls, attractions, street food and bars set up in Maldon’s Promenade Park.
The day kicked off with live music from Ray Clarke and other bands before comedian Jo Brand officially announced the start of the race.
Jo’s daughter Maisie Bourke and boyfriend Alfie Richer took part in this year’s event to raise money for the Maldon Mud Race charities and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Maisie ran it in memory of comedian Sean Lock and her uncle Bill, who were both lost to cancer recently.
Jo Brand and Sean Lock previously ran the race together 13 years ago.
Jo said: “In 2010, Sean Lock and I attempted the Maldon Mud Race, an iconic event, terrifying for us, and hilarious, for the crowd anyway.”
Other familiar faces who will be taking part in the event will be Anglia TV presenters TV David Whitely and Becky Jago and breakfast presenters from BBC Essex, Sonia Watson and Ben Fryer.
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