Each year Maldon plays host to a famous mud race (link https://www.maldonmudrace.com/) in May. The course heads out across the river at low tide. The Essex Ranger team took part last year and instead of saying ‘never again’ have just decided to repeat the challenge. Find out more from Lead Ranger David Piper…

Why are you taking part in the Maldon Mud race this year?
We did the mud race for the first time last year and it hurts, it hurts, it hurts. Even though it was painful as it was to cross that finish line in such an exhaustive state it was also a lot of fun. But, we did really well coming 3rd, 6th and 90th out of around 247 participants. From the first pelt of mud hitting the back of my head, to the Baywatch style driving through water and throwing yourself at a mud mountain to get out the other side it’s one of those bucket list local sporty things to do. I’m just pleased it’s no longer on New Year’s Day as that would hurt even more!

Who else is on the team?
The Essex Rangers are all taking part and they includes our optimum heighted rangers Bazza and Alex and then our young ranger Jess. Last year we had Alex, Barry and myself running the race. Since then we’ve gained a new ranger, the youngest member of the team – Jess. She has something to prove, being the youngest ranger we’re keen to find out if youth beats experience. We are a bit competitive.

So how the rest of the team feeling?

Alex, the swamp monster – Coming 90th last year with no training I feel ignorance is bliss and am trying not to think about it

Jess, she’s afraid, very afraid and is currently checking her contract….and when asked has no words as yet to articulate how she feels

Barry, having been able to tap me on about 90% of the course he’s getting ready to take me down, the ex-military competitive nature is starting to show already


So why are you doing it then?
We’re keen to take part and be involved in the coastal communities we work with. Our team is relatively new and this is a challenge that we can achieve as a team. We need to make sure we all make it out alive and in one piece.