Maldon Mud Race​​  

The Maldon Mud Race is an annual fun race held in spring (from the outset it was held between 12 noon and 13.00 hours on alternative Boxing Days or New Years Days subject to the tide, recently its now run in late April or early May) at the Promenade Park.  Originally entrants endeavoured to run from the rear of the Queens Head pub to the first salting and back. Now it commences further down the river and consists of a 500 metres (550 yd) dash, in thick mud, over the bed of the River Blackwater.

The inception of the Maldon Mud Race dates back to 1974 when a patron of the local pub, The Queens Head, was dared to serve a meal on the riverbank while dressed in a dinner jacket. This challenge transformed into a race across the river to a barrel of beer, where participants would drink a pint before racing back. Although the barrel of beer has long since vanished, the race has evolved into a charity event, with numerous participants donning fancy dress. The event attracts thousands of spectators and generates tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes.

The race can only occur when the tide is sufficiently low to ensure the safety of the participants crossing the river. Competitors begin on one bank and make their way to the opposite side, traversing 200 meters of mud along the river before returning to the original bank. In 2009, the race was held twice, on 4th January and 27th December, after the 2008 event was postponed due to unexpected high tides. Approximately 250 competitors participated in the December 2009 event, and the number of participants has grown each year since.

The next race is to be held on Sunday 26th April 2026.