Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Alternative Sport > Mucky stuff at Maldon Mud Race

Mucky stuff at Maldon Mud Race

By Caroline King - April 19, 2022Posted in : Alternative Sport, FEATURED-STORIES

If you fancy watching something a bit different this weekend, then how about cheering on the brave competitors at the Maldon Mud Race? This well-established quirky event is an annual mad dash (or more precisely, a sticky wade) through the riverbed of the River Blackwater in Essex.

Essex events - Maldon Mud Race
Watch Maldon Mud Race‘s filthy challenge

Like many quirky traditions, the Maldon Mud Race began with a pub-related bet. Yes, back in 1973, a local resident made a bet with the landlord of the Queens Head at Hythe Quay in Maldon. Challenging the landlord to serve a meal while dressed in a dinner jacket, on the saltings of the River Blackwater. Somehow, this daft behaviour caught on. And so it developed into a race to across the riverbed to drink a pint of beer. Finally, it evolved into the popular organised charity event it is today.

This year’s race is expected to attract around 300 competitors from across the world. They’ll all be racing in the name of fun, whilst raising vital money for charity. Those taking part, whether individuals or teams, are encouraged to wear fancy dress. So, you can expect some interesting outfits. The race itself is a four hundred metre slog through the muddy riverbed, which many end up crawling through.

For those who don’t fancy getting filthy, the race welcomes spectators. So, you can go along to watch and cheer on these plucky competitors. Head there early to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the refreshments. There’ll be eclectic live music and local radio broadcasting live from the park. And you can tuck into burgers, burritos and popcorn, as well as tea, coffee and ice cream.

For more madcap sporting events, click this way!

When: 24th April 2022, from 10am with the race starting at 1pm
Where: Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex
£: Free to watch but donations welcome

More info: maldonmudrace.com

Tagged With: East, Essex events, Family events, Free events

Leave a comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Curiosity of the Week

The quirky wonders of Wigtown
Martyr's Stake in Wigtown

The annual Wigtown Book Festival opens this week. So, we thought it was a good time to take a look at this quirky Scottish town for our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

Solo cinema and scientific sounds at Flatpack Festival
Flatpack Festival 2022, Design by Keith Dodds and Illustration by Jacques Kleynhans

Flatpack Festival brings an eclectic mix of shows, screenings and activities that surprise and delight audiences to venues across Birmingham…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2022 · Contrary Life