THE Maldon Mud Race is barely recognisable today from what started as a drink-fuelled laugh among pubgoers in the 1970s.

Adrian Mulville, of Church Street, Maldon, who, along with his brother Paddy, was a regular in the Queen’s Head, won the first ever mud race as a 19-year-old.

The event conjures up fond memories for the yachtsman.

Recalling his victory, he said: “The Queen’s Head was a fun place to go. There was always something crazy going on.

“The first mud race started at the back of the pub. You had to run across the river where there was a table set up, you had to drink a pint of beer and then run back.

“I won and did the whole thing in three minutes and 34 seconds. I’m not sure I could drink a pint in that time now.

“There’s definitely a certain technique to walking through the mud. The secret is to keep moving, never stop.”

He added: “It was all very informal back then. It was just a few friends being daft after a few drinks and there certainly wasn’t the media interest there is now. In a sense I’m pleased because it’s something the whole town can enjoy.”

This year's race takes place at 12.30pm tomorrow.

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