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[title]If there’s one symbol of the rivalry between academic titans Oxford and Cambridge, it’s the Boat Race – the annual oars-off between the two unis. Typically, over 300,000 people line the banks of the Thames to get a glimpse of the action. If you’re like the majority of them, then as well as the sporting spectacle, you’re also there for the excuse to knock back a few pints (or more).
Whether you’re a diehard supporter or a fair-weather fan, here’s our guide to everything you need to know about the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race 2025.
What is the Boat Race?
Every year, rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge duke it out on the waters of the Thames to be crowned Boat Race victors. It’s a tradition that stems all the way back to 1829, when two pals – Cambridge student Charles Merivale and his Oxford counterpart Charles Wordsworth – organised the first-ever race down at Henley-on-Thames. Nearly 30 years later, it became an annual event, only pausing during wartime and, more recently, for the Covid-19 pandemic.
A women’s race was added in 1927 and, since 2015, has been contested on the same day and at the same location as the men’s race.
When is the Boat Race 2025?
Traditionally, the Boat Race takes place on a Sunday in April and this year is no different. The Boat Race 2025 will take place on Sunday April 13.
What time does the race start?
The competition kicks off at 1:21pm with the 79th Women’s Boat Race, followed by the 170th Men’s Boat Race at 2:21pm.
There’ll be other races in between and after, with the event wrapping up around 3:15pm.
See the full timings for the Boat Race 2025 below:
1:21pm: 79th Women’s Boat Race
1:36pm: Women’s reserve race: Osiris vs Blondie
1:51pm: Men’s reserve race: Isis vs Goldie
2:21pm: 170th Men’s Boat Race
2:45pm: Women’s presentation (Mortlake)
2:55pm: Men’s presentation (Mortlake)
What route does the Boat Race take?
The Boat Race takes place across four miles of the Thames, known as the Championship Course. It stretches from Putney to Mortlake, starting downstream of Putney Bridge and passing under Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge before finishing just ahead of Chiswick Bridge. Currently, the record for completing the course was set by Cambridge in 1998, with the university’s men’s team finishing in 16 minutes and 19 seconds. The fastest time recorded in the women’s boat race came in 2017, when Cambridge finished in 18 minutes and 33 seconds.
How to watch the Boat Race 2025
If you want to go and witness the action – and cheer on your chosen team – in person, all you have to do is find a spot along the riverbank and get shouting. There are differing advantages to various locations along the course – pull up in Putney and you’ll get to watch the coin toss and the launch. Grab a spot in Mortlake and you’ll be part of the crowd urging the teams on to the finish line. In between, you’ll find fan zones in Fulham and Hammersmith – find more information on events and activities at both of those locations on the Boat Race website.
If you’d rather stay home and watch from the comfort of your couch, BBC One will be covering the entire event, with coverage beginning at 12:45pm and ending at 3:15pm.
What colours are Oxford and Cambridge?
Although Cambridge wore pink or scarlet in the first-ever boat race, these days, both they and Oxford don different shades of blue for the competition. You’ll spot Cambridge in ‘duck egg’ or light blue, while Oxford sport dark blue, with both colours linked to the respective universities.
Previous results
Since 1829, Cambridge have won the most men’s titles, with 87 victories to Oxford’s 81, with one dead heat recorded in 1877. In the women’s boat race, Cambridge are the champs again, with 48 wins versus Oxford’s 30. Will Cambridge’s dominance continue in 2025 or will Oxford claw back some victories to close the gap?
While you’re in this part of town, here are the best things to do in west London.