LOCAL charities were honoured at this year’s Maldon Mud Race presentation evening, including Maldon cadets who suffered two raids in three months.

The Maldon Mud Race Charity holds a presentation evening every year to present trophies to the winners of the mud race and Maldon Half Marathon, as well as handing out donations to chosen local charities.

The donation came as a huge boost for the Maldon and District Sea Cadets, who have suffered raids on their Park Drive compound in April and July this year.

Commanding Officer Tracey Temme said: “It was an absolute delight to be offered this by the Mud Race, especially after what we’ve suffered this year.

“We’re a registered charity with a big waiting list for kids to come and join us, we take in cadets from across the Dengie.

“This donation is a huge benefit to help us recover, and we’re always open for volunteers and donations to help our cause, our aim is to improve the lives of young people, getting them to do activities they wouldn’t normally do.”

Taking place at the Essex Golf and Country Club in Earl’s Colne on Thursday last week, the charity gave out £10,000 worth of donations.

Maldon Citizens’ Advice, The Rob George Foundation, The David Randall Foundation, Little Havens Hospice, Cinnamon Trust, Brainwave, and PARC were among those chosen.

The charity plans to donate £30,000 to 67 different charities this year alone.

The Mud Race and Half Marathon have enjoyed growing success in the past few years. This year’s mud race saw 247 competitors and tens of thousands of pounds raised.

The top achievers from the half marathon this year were Tristan Steed in first place in the time of one hour 15 minutes, with Antony Goodall and Terrance Spooner coming second and third respectively. Melanie Staley, Rose Knight and Vicky Knight were the top three ladies.

The Mud Race men’s winner was Ben Payne, with Julie Strutt winning for ladies and Plume Academy winning the team race.

At the presentation, Maldon Mud Race Chairman Brian Farrington said: “The Maldon Mud Race this year saw another fantastic event, and the level of enthusiasm from every competitor has been wonderful.

“The local charities that we have chosen this year have done some incredible work over their active years, and we really hope that the Maldon Mud Race’s donations will help them carry on helping the lives of others.

“Obviously, we would like to thank our many, many sponsors and volunteers for their outstanding work once again, none of this is possible without them.”

Maldon mayor Richard Miller added: “The work of the Maldon Mud Race charity has once again been superb this year, we’re seeing an increasing level of involvement from all age groups, which is absolutely tremendous. I’d like to commend all members and volunteers for their extraordinary service.”

For more information about all charities the Mud Race supports, visit www.maldonmudrace.com/charities.