On your marks, get set, GO! Maldon Mud Race celebrates its 50th anniversary as racers slip and slide about in the dirt for charity

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

What started as a challenge among regulars at a local pub in Maldon, Essex, to serve a meal in a tuxedo on the boggy banks of the River Chelmer, has since transformed into a major event raising thousands for charity . .

The Maldon Mud Race sees participants race in a 500 meter sprint through thick mud on the river banks, with many participants wearing fancy dress.

The starting line starts at Promenade Park, where the brave runners run across the mudflats to the banks of the river, but that’s the easiest part.

Once over the banks, the mud becomes much bleaker and more difficult to wade through – which is all part of the fun of the race.

The Maldon Mud Race sees participants race in a 500 meter sprint through thick mud on the river banks, with many participants wearing fancy dress

The starting line starts at Promenade Park, where the brave runners run down the mudflats to the banks of the river, but that’s the easiest part. Once over the banks, the mud becomes much bleaker and more difficult to wade through – which is all part of the fun of the race

The participants braved the swamp and screamed through mud and silt, some of which appeared to be knee deep

Luckily for the muddy participants, they were able to wash away the dirt in mudflat areas of the river along the way

It’s a race that hundreds of people participate in and thousands of local spectators watch, and this year’s event was no exception.

The participants braved the swamp and made their way through mud and silt, some of which appeared to be knee deep.

Luckily for the muddy participants, they were able to wash away debris in mudflat areas of the river along the way.

Some costumes this year include a king, a group of garden gnomes and a person dressed as an Australian with a kangaroo on his head.

This year’s winner was Mr. Carlson. Speak with BBC Essex he said: ‘It was fantastic, it was my first race but it clearly paid off.

“I had a strategy to stay on the bench and make big steps and it paid off and I came first and I’m very happy.”

Ahead of this year’s race, Brian Farrington, chairman of The Maldon Mud Race, said: ‘The day involves almost twelve months of advance preparation 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 participants and a wide range of stalls selling snacks and promotional gifts.’

He added: ‘Almost 20,000 people attended the event last year so we hope to raise even more money for the charities. Last year we handed out over £35,000 and we hope this will be the best year ever.”