Stuck in the Mud

There are challenges… and then there’s the Maldon Mud Race

For over half a century, a 400-metre dash across the thick, unforgiving mud of the River Blackwater has become one of the UK’s most iconic (and demanding!) charity events. And this year, Team Potters didn’t just take part — they made their mark.

With the sun shining and crowds lining the banks at Promenade Park, the atmosphere was brilliant from the outset. But while the weather played its part in creating a fantastic day for spectators, conditions underfoot told a different story.

Dawn Green (left) and Clair Griffin (right) from Cashiers had an early start from Hopton-on-Sea

Described by volunteers as one of the toughest Mud Races in recent years, the course proved every bit as gruelling as its reputation suggests. Thick, energy-sapping mud, uneven terrain, worms and water crossings meant that, however fit the team thought they were, this was never going to be a quick dash.

And that’s exactly what makes the Maldon Mud Race such a special spectacle. It’s not just about speed. It’s about determination, teamwork, and embracing the chaos along the way.

Jemma Hampton Barrett led a Rajio Taiso warm-up at Five Lakes

Team Potters Takes On the Mud

Representing Potters Resorts, two teams from Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes stepped up to the challenge. As part of our Every Second Counts campaign, they were raising both awareness and vital funds for NARS (Norfolk Accident Rescue Service) and BASICS Essex.

Hopton-on-Sea Captain Jack Jenkins and Five Lakes Captain Jemma Hampton Barrett

While team game plans were laid out beforehand, by the time the countdown came, everything went out the window.

Supporting one another through every slip, stumble and “I’M STUCK!”, the girls (Jemma Hampton Barrett, Beth Allen-Brodie, Dawn Green and Clair Griffin) proved that sticking together really does make all the difference. Encouragement, laughter and a shared determination carried them through one of the toughest courses the event has seen.

Nathaniel Cox from Bars gets race ready with duct tape

Meanwhile, the boys (Jack Jenkins and Nathaniel Cox) quickly demonstrated that it doesn’t take long for a competitive streak to kick in! What may have started as a friendly challenge soon turned into a battle of the resorts. Having raced in 2024, Jack had the experience to cross the finish line first, followed swiftly by Nathaniel.

The 2026 Maldon Mud Race featured hot showers for the first time!

The six brave team members were joined by Jane Roach representing NARS, and David Hockley representing BASICS Essex. New friends made, and memories shared over one of the toughest experiences in the UK calendar.

Making a Real Difference

Beyond the mud, it was a brilliant day enjoyed by all. With around 15,000 spectators, live entertainment, and a festival-like atmosphere, the Maldon Mud Race once again lived up to its reputation as a true celebration of community spirit. There was a real sense of achievement and camaraderie throughout the day.

Jemma, Clair and Dawn make their way through the finish line

And while the mud, laughter and competition made for unforgettable moments, the bigger picture remained at the heart of everything.

Pre-race, two £5,000 cheques were proudly presented by the team on behalf of the Potters Friends Foundation — one to NARS and one to BASICS Essex. All of those funds will help to support the life-saving work these incredible charities carry out every single day.

From roadside emergencies to critical first response situations, these organisations rely on donations and community support to fund essential equipment and rapid medical care. Every penny dropped in our donation boxes, pound spent on the tombola, or online donation made, contributes towards saving lives across Norfolk and Essex.

BASICS Essex visited Five Lakes in 2025 after ‘Every Second Counts’ was launched

Mud, Memories and Momentum

The Maldon Mud Race is never easy, and this year proved tougher than most. But that only made the achievement even greater.

For Team Potters, it was another powerful chapter in the Every Second Counts journey. A reminder that when people come together through teamwork, friendly competition, or simply showing up, incredible things can happen.

So, well done to everyone who volunteered and took part. You conquered one of the toughest Maldon Mud Races in years, all for a good cause. And you did it with that true Potters spirit.

And as the mud settles and the memories remain, one thing is certain — this was a challenge worth getting stuck into!

Beth Allen-Brodie from Bars with Jack Jenkins

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Our ‘Every Second Counts’ campaign to raise awareness and £50,000 for NARS and BASICS Essex continues. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here:

Check out the team’s highlights from the 2026 Maldon Mud Race below!