The popular Maldon Mud Race will return this Sunday (May 14), with a line-up of famous faces taking part - plus a huge variety of activities and refreshments for the whole family.

Comedian Jo Brand, who ran the Mud Race with the late Sean Lock in 2010, will start this year's race. Her daughter Maisie is set to take on the challenge for the second time, with her boyfriend Alfie.

ITV Anglia News' Becky Jago and David Whitely are also expected to take part, alongside BBC Essex breakfast presenters Sonia Watson and Ben Fryer. They will be joined by individuals and teams from all over the country.

The race itself is due to begin at around 1.30pm, although organisers will confirm on the day. The event is free to attend for spectators, and organisers expect to attract crowds of over 15,000.

This year will see a funfair, a huge artisan food offering, and a large stage with entertainment from 10am.

Find details of performances and activities on show on the Mud Race stage here:

• 10 - 10.15am: Ray Clarke Band
• 10.25 - 10.45am: The Remedy Band
• 11 – 11.30pm: Evy Frearson
• 11.45 - 12.15: Midnight Repost
• 12.30 – 1pm: Fraser Morgan and the Great Catastrophes
• The pre-race warm-up is set to start between 1.15pm and 1.30pm (to be confirmed on the day)
• The race is due to start between 1.30 and 1.45pm (to be confirmed on the day)
• 3 - 5pm: John Leech DJ set

BBC Essex will run the stage, presenting local emerging artists and a 'chill-out' soul set with award-winning DJ John Leech from 3pm, helping entrants and spectators unwind after the race.

11-metre-wide screens will show the race live across Promenade Park.

Check out the range of food stalls on offer here:

• Time for Thai - Homemade authentic Thai dishes, including noodles and curries
• FirePit Pizza - Wood Fired Pizza
• Greedy Vegan - plant-based classics and loaded fries
• Maldon Oysters - "Serving the finest and freshest Oysters in the UK" 
• Spud Truck - oven-baked potatoes and tasty toppings
• Gelato Italia -  ice cream
• Pimm's Bar 
• Treat Stop - candyfloss, popcorn and donuts
• My Little Drinks Van - coffee and cakes
• The Grill Bar - Freshly cooked burgers, hot dogs and bacon rolls.

The Grill Bar will be cooking from 9am, offering runners an early morning Breakfast Deal, including a bacon roll and a hot drink.

As always, the Mud Race is supported by numerous local businesses and organisations.

Mud Race Chairman Brian Farrington said: "We are so pleased to have PGR Builders & Timber Ltd on board again who will join other prestigious names such as Swish Fibre Ltd, Porsche Centre Colchester, Wilkin & Sons Tiptree and Tesco Maldon. We find sponsors really enjoy this great day. It gives them the chance to mingle with residents and visitors as well as other local businesses.

"We know the 2023 Maldon Mud Race will be a superb day out for families and enthusiasts from across the area."

For more information, visit the Maldon Mud Race website.

Read more

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• Maldon Mud Race 2023: Comedian Jo Brand to return as daughter Maisie takes on challenge once again
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