When To Watch: Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

The Boat Race is an annual event between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, with the men's race first taking place in 1829 and the women's in 1927. The 2024 races took place on Saturday 30 March, with the women's race starting at 2.46 pm and the men's at 3.46 pm. The 2025 race will take place on Sunday 13 April.

The Boat Race is an annual event

The Boat Race features two sets of rowing races between the Cambridge University Boat Club and the Oxford University Boat Club. The men's race was first held in 1829 and has been an annual event since 1856, except during the World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The women's race was first held in 1927 and became an annual event in 1964. Since 2015, the women's race has taken place on the same day and course as the men's race, and the combined event is now referred to as "The Boat Race".

The Championship Course has hosted most of the races and covers a distance of about 4.2 miles or 6.8 kilometres. The course passes through Hammersmith and Barnes, following an S-shape from east to west. The start and finish are marked by the University Boat Race Stones on the south bank. The choice of which side of the river (station) to row on is decided by a coin toss before the race, taking into account the weather, the speed of the flood tide, and the advantages of each station due to the bends in the river.

The Boat Race is an amateur sporting event, with scholar-athletes combining academic rigour with elite physical prowess. The rowers and coxes on the teams come from diverse backgrounds and have varying levels of rowing experience. The crews include Olympians, World Champions, and students who learned to row at Oxford and Cambridge. All student athletes must meet the same academic requirements and be studying on a full-time course to be eligible to row.

The teams compete in eight-oared rowing boats, each steered by a cox who sits in the stern. The cox is the only crew member who faces forward in the direction of movement. The boats are traditionally known as "Blue Boats", with Cambridge in light blue and Oxford in dark blue. The men's and women's top crews are named after the award their universities give them for competing in The Boat Race.

The Boat Race is a highly anticipated event, with fans from around the world choosing a team to support and creating a festive atmosphere along the riverbanks. The race is also broadcast internationally on television, attracting millions of viewers.

The 2024 race takes place on Saturday 30 March

The Boat Race is an annual sporting fixture between rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge universities. It takes place along the River Thames, on a four-mile, 374-yard course from Putney to Mortlake. The rivalry began with the inaugural men's fixture in 1829, with the women's race first taking place in 1927 and becoming an annual event in 1964.

The 2024 race will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 2 pm. The event usually draws a large crowd, with official fan zones set up along the route offering food, drinks, and entertainment.

This year's race is particularly notable as both the Cambridge men's and women's teams are aiming to continue their winning streaks, with the men aiming for their fifth trophy in six years and the women aiming for their seventh consecutive win.

The women's race begins at 2.46 pm, the men's at 3.46 pm

The Boat Race is an annual event between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. The event features two races: one for men and one for women.

The women's race begins at 2.46 pm. This will be the 78th women's race and the first took place in 1927, although it didn't become an annual event until 1964. Since 2015, the women's race has taken place on the same day and course as the men's race.

The men's race follows at 3.46 pm. This will be the 169th men's race and the first was held in 1829. The race has been held annually since 1856, except during the First and Second World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Both races will take place on Saturday 30 March 2024 on the Championship Course, a 4.25-mile stretch of the Thames in West London, from Putney to Mortlake. This is a change from the usual Sunday scheduling.

The race is regularly attended by over 250,000 spectators

The Boat Race is an annual event, with the men's race first held in 1829 and the women's race in 1927. It is one of the world's oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, with a rich history spanning nearly two centuries. The race pits the University of Oxford against the University of Cambridge in a thrilling rowing competition on the River Thames in London.

The Boat Race regularly attracts over 250,000 spectators to the banks of the Thames, with millions more watching on television. The event has become a beloved British tradition, synonymous with excellence and rivalry between the UK's top two universities. The race is not just a sporting event but also a celebration of the scholar-athletes who excel in both academic rigour and physical prowess.

The race course, known as the Championship Course, covers 4.25 miles (or 4 miles and 374 yards) of tidal Thames in West London, stretching from Putney to Mortlake. This course has hosted the vast majority of the races and is over three times the distance of an Olympic race. The crews compete in eight-oared rowing boats, steered by a cox who sits in the stern, facing the direction of movement.

The 2024 Boat Race, scheduled for Saturday, 30 March, is expected to be one of the busiest in a while, with good weather predicted. The women's race will begin at 2.46 pm, followed by the men's race at 3.46 pm. The event will also feature fan zones, food villages, and bars along the route, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Boat Race is more than just a competition; it is a testament to the dedication and balance of student-athletes, a showcase of amateur sport at its finest, and a beloved tradition that unites spectators from all walks of life.

The race is televised and watched by millions

The Boat Race is one of the world's oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, with a rich history spanning nearly two centuries. The rivalry between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence, attracting a vast audience of spectators and viewers worldwide.

The race is regularly attended by over 250,000 spectators who line the banks of the River Thames to witness this thrilling competition. However, the reach of the event extends far beyond the riverbanks. The Boat Race is televised and watched by millions of viewers globally, with international broadcasts reaching a wide audience. In recent years, the women's race has also gained significant traction, with millions tuning in to witness the fierce competition.

The race's popularity is evident in the broadcasting numbers. In 2014, 15 million people watched the race on television, and the event is expected to draw a similar audience in 2024. The race is not just a sporting event; it has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans from around the world eagerly choosing a side to support. The rivalry and excitement surrounding the race create a unique atmosphere that resonates with viewers worldwide.

The Boat Race has a long history of television coverage, with the BBC covering the men's race since 1938 and radio coverage dating back to 1927. The event has also been televised live each year, ensuring that those who cannot attend in person can still be a part of this historic event. The women's race has also gained prominence, attracting a television audience of 4.8 million viewers in 2015 when it moved to the Championship Course.

The Boat Race is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of amateur sport, academic excellence, and British tradition. The event showcases the pinnacle of scholar-athletes who excel in both their academic pursuits and physical prowess. The race's ability to captivate a global audience is a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. As the rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge continues to intensify, the audience for this iconic event is only expected to grow.

Frequently asked questions