THIS year’s Maldon Mud Race saw 300 competitors diving into the mud and waters of the River Blackwater for charity.

More than 20,000 revellers turned out to watch the event on Sunday in Promenade Park.

Racers entered the water at around 1.05pm on Sunday, before scrambling up the banks on the opposite side and pelting, walking or crawling across.

Racers then slide down the bank to cross through the waters again before climbing up the last bank to cross the finish line.

This year’s fastest male was Christopher Lee, who completed the course in three minutes and 38 seconds, just shy of the race record of three minutes thirty seconds.

The fastest female was Shannon Rowsell, who crossed the finish line at six minutes five seconds.

The race also saw the return of naked racer Joel Hicks who once again started with trunks and ended up without them.

Model and actor Joel is founder of charity Always With A Smile.

Chairman of Maldon Mud Race Brian Farrington was delighted to deliver another superb day out at Maldon Promenade Park.

Brian said: "We were so thrilled this year to be supported by two radio stations - BBC Essex including breakfast presenters Ben and Sonia bravely running the race.

“Thanks to David Baker from Chelmer Radio for co-hosting the event with Matt Mackay from BBC Essex who both did a great job.

“The extra coverage has meant we quickly achieved 300 entrants as well as a huge crowd on the day.

“We thank Mark Goody from Porsche Colchester for both supporting Maldon Mud Race financially and entering the race again with his team of seven.

“We really hope this year will see a bumper fund-raising total so we can support the many charities across Essex who rely on us each year, including the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance."

"There are so many people to thank the list is just too long but without companies like Maldon Metals, Tesco and Co-Op, Sark Meze Grill and Events Factor for their support in providing a superb choice of catering for spectators plus all the many volunteers including Plume Academy staff and students, and the Chelmsford Sub Aqua team.

“It would be impossible to put on this race and raise the money we do - and of course, we are grateful to Maldon Council for their on-going support."

Entries are now open for next year’s race which takes place on May 3, 2020.

For details, visit maldonmudrace.com.