The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

Watch crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities battle it out on the Thames during The Men's Boat Race and The Women's Boat Race.

What is The Boat Race route?

One of the biggest free sporting spectacles in London, The Boat Race creates a festive atmosphere on the banks of the river Thames. Up to 250,000 people flock to the riverbanks every year to join the celebrations and watch the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge eight-oared rowing boats race along the famous 4.2-mile (6.8km) Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake.

You can find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course, but some of the best spots include:

• Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and Bishop's Park (at the start).
• Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC (best for the first mile).
• Hammersmith and Barnes (mid-course).
• Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish).

When is The Boat Race?

About The Boat Race

The Oxford University Boat Club and Cambridge University Boat Club first raced each other in 1829, and the first women’s race took place in 1927. The races require the student rowers from both universities to train as elite athletes while studying intensive academic courses.

In 2021, the race took place on the Great Ouse river in Ely, with Cambridge winning the 166th Men’s Boat Race by one length in a quick time of 14 minutes and 12 seconds, taking the overall event record to 85–80 in Cambridge's favour. Cambridge also beat Oxford for the fourth year running in the 75th Women’s Boat Race, with an overall margin of three quarters of a length, bringing its total to 45 against its Oxford rivals’ 30 total wins.