AS Maldon's famous mud race returns today, we look back at some of our best photos of previous events.

Arguably the town's biggest event, the Maldon Mud Race attracts hundreds of runners and even more spectators every year to the town's Promenade Park.

The race began back in 1973 when a regular at Queens Head on Hythe Quay was challenged to serve a meal on the riverbank dressed in a dinner jacket.

The challenge evolved into a race to a waiting barrel of beer, with competitors drinking a pint of beer and racing back.

It has since transformed into a charity event which raises thousands of pounds, with many participants wearing fancy dress.

Sadly, the past two events had to be cancelled due to organisers’ worries surrounding Covid-19.

The last event held, in 2019, saw nearly 20,000 people attend and more than £35,000 distributed to charities.

Now it returns today with a range of entertainment and activities for both entrants and spectators.

Here are some of our amazing photos of previous Maldon Mud Race events:

The last event in town made for some great memories with some participants who really went all out...

Echo:

 

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Five years earlier, in 2014, crowds lined the park to watch 300 competitors battle their way through the mud and cold water.

Echo: Credit: Nigel BrownCredit: Nigel Brown

 

Echo: Credit: Nigel BrownCredit: Nigel Brown

The race has changed over the years since its beginnings in the 70s.

On Boxing Day in 1994 it took place at its new home in Promenade Park with 52 entrants and around 5,000 coming to watch the event.

Events were held again in 1996 and 1997, when there was even a proposal at the finish line.

Echo: Photos from our archivePhotos from our archive

Echo: Photos from our archivePhotos from our archive

Echo: Photos from our archivePhotos from our archive

However, the event wasn't held between 1998 and 2000 due to concern over health and safety.

In 2010 the race was moved from December to the following Spring - which soon became tradition.

Echo: Credit: Nigel BrownCredit: Nigel Brown

Echo: Credit: Nigel BrownCredit: Nigel Brown

Echo: Winners crossing the finish line. Credit: Nigel BrownWinners crossing the finish line. Credit: Nigel Brown

Echo: Credit: Nigel BrownCredit: Nigel Brown

Jo Brand took part in the race that year with fellow comedian Sean Lock.

This year she will start the race, with her daughter taking part for a cancer charity in memory of Sean Lock and her uncle Bill.

Are you taking part in this year's race? Send us your photos and stories here.