Maldon Mud Race
Thousands turned out for the annual Maldon Mud Race - a charity event which sees hundreds of people dash 400 metres across the beds of the River Blackwater. Pictures: Gareth Fuller/PA
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1. Maldon Mud Race
And they're off! More than 300 competitors - many in fancy dress - enter the waters of the River Blackwater at Maldon for the town's annual Mud Race.
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2. Maldon Mud Race
Around 15,000 people turned out to cheer on competitors in the Bank Holiday weekend sunshine.
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3. Maldon Mud Race
Mud Race runner Diane Gibson heading for the finish line!
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4. Maldon Mud Race
The race takes place at low tide - meaning the water is shallow enough to allow runners to get through the water to the opposite side and back again.
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5. Maldon Mud Race
Competitors scramble up the river bank.
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6. Maldon Mud Race
In the pink and heading for the finish line!
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7. Maldon Mud Race
Traditionally the Maldon Mud Race took place over Christmas but cold weather in 2010 forced the event to be rescheduled to the spring.
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8. Maldon Mud Race
Competitors pose for photographers at the finishing line.
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9. Maldon Mud Race
Competitors dash up the banks of the River Blackwater.
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10. Maldon Mud Race
This year's event will benefit Essex charities including Farleigh Hospice, Little Haven Children's Hospice and Brainwave.
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11. Maldon Mud Race
Charity fund raiser Joel Hicks celebrates as he scrambles up the river bank to the finish line.
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12. Maldon Mud Race
Competitors race across the muddy beds of the River Blackwater.