IN PICTURES: Hundreds brave the Blackwater for Maldon Mud Race 2025
The Maldon Mud Race returned today with crowds lining the promenade to watch as competitors slid, swam and squelched to the finish line.
While it was a cooler day than perhaps expected, the weather didn't stop visitors, with many setting up deck chairs to secure the best spot to watch the action.
The car park was packed, the food huts were heaving, and the walkways were lined with activities, business tents and vendors.
The race set off just before 1pm after a quick warm-up soundtracked by BBC Radio 1.
It was a bizarre scene as Lobsters, Power Rangers and Bananas starjumped alongside Olympic bronze medalist Lewis Richardson.
Other notable outfits included two men dressed in blonde wigs, gold shorts and matching nipple tassels, a Flamingo and a Flamenco Dancer.
In true 'May the 4th' fashion, Star Wars Darth Maul won a prize for best costume.
Participants then quickly made their way to the river bank, with several coating on war paint stripes in preparation for the 440m slog ahead of them.
25-year-old first timer Joe Griggs claimed the win, closely followed by Plume College student Henry Crates.
Vicki Riley, 39, claimed the title for the fastest woman to complete the course.
Competitors at the finish line had varied reactions to the last stretch, with some singing there way across the line and others dragging themselves to victory.
The Mayor of Halstead, Andy Munday, dressed as a cup of tea and was joined by a woman dressed as a digestive.
The couple beamed as they confidently crossed the line.
Everyone seemed to have different degrees of muddiness, with one man, butt-naked serial competitor Joel, 46, fully coated in the sludge.
Each person then headed to the cleaning zone, where they were hosed down by volunteers before heading through what looked like a human car wash.
The Maldon Mud Race has once again made headlines, brought visitors to the town and raised thousands for charity.
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