THE Boat Race returns for the 170th time this weekend – and fans will be preparing to take their place on the banks of the River Thames.
The famous old race between Oxford and Cambridge universities was first held in 1829.
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This year will be the 170th race for the men’s teams and 79th edition of the women’s of The Boat Race.
The Light Blues of Cambridge have been in dominant form in recent years and also hold the all-time lead over the Oxford Blues, in both the men’s and women’s events.
Cambridge men have won five of the last six, while the women have won SEVEN in a row.
Once again, The Boat Race will be held on the Championship Course, one of the most iconic stretches of the Thames.
What is the course for The Boat Race 2025?
The race will once again take place on the Championship Course, a 4.2-mile (6.8km) stretch of the River Thames which runs from Putney Bridge to Mortlake Church.
The course was first used in 1845 and has been used for every race since except on four occasions.
Three of those were in 1846, 1856 and 183, when the race was held in the opposite direction.
In 2021 it had to be held on a longer stretch of the River Great Ouse, near Ely in Cambridgeshire, in 2021 because of Covid-19 restrictions.
There have also been other unofficial Boat Races held over time, notably during World War II.
Starting at the University Stone just west of Putney Bridge, the race has to start from two stake boats that are moored to ensure the teams are in line with the Stone.
Last 10 Boat Race results
The last 10 winners of The Boat Race:
2024 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2023 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2022 – Oxford (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2021 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2020 – no race due to Covid-19
2019 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2018 – Cambridge (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2017 – Oxford (men’s) / Cambridge (women’s)
2016 – Cambridge (men’s) / Oxford (women’s)
2015 – Oxford (men’s) / Oxford (women’s)
2014 – Oxford (men’s) / Oxford (women’s)
The course takes in several notable west London landmarks, such as the Barnes Railway Bridge and Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadium.
For the first time this year, Fulham will be able to watch the race from the riverside path running next to the stadium – this grants access to Bishops Park where a fan zone with big screens, food and refreshments are available.
The Hammersmith Bridge is another major landmark and has a long track record of helping to decide the winner, with around 80 per cent of crews who lead at this stage going on to win.
Chiswick Eyot (pronounced eight), an uninhabited island that’s now a nature reserve, often sees crews attempt to make a decisive move.
Barnes Bridge is the final bridge that crews pass under and a sharp bend can often prove big to the boat that’s on the inside of the bend.
Rowers disembark at the finish line just west of Chiswick Bridge, which is marked by a University Boat Race Stone.
When is the Boat Race 2025 and how can I watch it for FREE?
The 2025 Boat Race takes place on Sunday, April 13.
There are four races – the main men’s and women’s races and two reserve races.
The timings for those races are below:
- 1.21pm – 79th Women’s Boat Race
- 1.36pm – Women’s Reserve Race: Osiris (Oxford) vs Blondie (Cambridge)
- 1.51pm – Men’s Reserve Race: Isis (Oxford) vs Goldie (Cambridge)
- 2.21pm – 170th Men’s Boat Race
Coverage in the UK will be on the BBC, with BBC One live TV programming starting at 12.20pm.
The race – plus extended analysis after the finish – will be shown for FREE on BBC iPlayer.
Viewers must register for a free account with an email address and pay the licence fee.
Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the build-up, each of the four races and the fallout from the big day.