First raced in 1829 and 1927 respectively, The annual Oxford versus Cambridge Boat Races are amongst the oldest sporting events in the world. April 2017 will see the running of the 163rd Boat Race and 72nd Women’s Boat Race, both now taking place on the Championship Course, which is 6.8 km long. Members of both teams are traditionally known as blues, with Cambridge (Goldie) in light blue and Oxford (Isis) in dark blue.

Watched by thousands along the banks of the River Thames, between Putney and Mortlake, and by millions more on television, the Cancer Research UK Boat Races are unique sporting events.

You can enjoy the festival atmosphere by watching for free from one of the many vantage points along the course, between Putney Embankment and Bishops Park (at the start) to Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish).

Halfway along the course, the area around Hammersmith Bridge is particularly popular with visiting university students.

The Blue Anchor pub hosts an outside bar and barbecue, and television coverage can be watched on several big screens at nearby Furnivall Gardens.

Underground stations: Putney Bridge, Hammersmith and Kew Gardens

Mainline train stations: Putney, Barnes Bridge, Mortlake or Chiswick

Further information