The ultimate Oxford v Cambridge competition is back. More than 300,000 spectators will line the Thames in southwest London with their Pimms and cardigans hung over their shoulders to watch the 2025 edition of the historic Boat Race.
The men’s rowing competition has been going on since 1829, while the ladies only began taking part nearly 100 years later in 1927. Cambridge has dominated the event in recent years, coming up trumps in the women’s race the past seven in a row and in the men’s for six out of the last eight competitions. So, the stakes are high.
Here’s everything you need to know if you plan on watching the world’s most famous university contest on TV this weekend.
🚣♀️ Time Out London’s guide to The Boat Race 2025.
When is the Boat Race?
This year’s race is happening on Sunday, April 13.
How can I watch the Boat Race?
If you’re not able to watch in person, you can catch the Boat Race live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sports website.
What are the timings?
Coverage leading up the the races will begin on the BBC at 12.45. If you want to skip all that and just watch the races themselves, the timings are below. The broadcast will end around 3.45.
Women’s
Tune in to watch the Women’s Boat Race start at 1.21pm. The women’s presentation to award the winners will be at 2.45pm.
Men’s
The men’s event will kick off an hour later at 2.21pm. Their presentation will take place at 2.55pm.
Where is the race?
The race down the Thames begins downstream of Putney Bridge, passing under Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge before finishing just ahead of Chiswick Bridge
How long does the Boat Race take?
Well, that depends how good the team is. The whole course is just over four miles and the current men’s record was set by the Cambridge team in 1998 with a time of 16 minutes and 19 seconds. For the women’s race, the time to beat is 18 minutes and 33 seconds, set by Cambridge in 2017.
What are the crews?
Oxford Women’s Team
Daniel Orton (Cox), Heidi Long (Stroke), Kyra Delray, Annie Anezakis, Sarah Marshall, Alexia Lowe, Tessa Haining, Lilli Freischem, Sarah Polson (Bow)
Cambridge Women’s Team
Jack Nicholas (Cox), Samy Morton (Stroke), Tash Morrice, Claire Collins, Carys Earl, Annie Wertheimer, Sophia Hahn, Gemma King, Katy Hempson (Bow)
Oxford Men’s Team
Tobias Bernard (Cox), Nico Kohl (Stroke), Nick Rusher, Tom Mackintosh, Tass von Mueller, James Doran, Felix Rawlinson, Will O’Connell, Tom Sharrock (Bow)
Cambridge Men’s Team
Ollie Boyne (Cox), Douwe de Graaf (Stroke), Luca Ferraro, James Robson, George Bourne, Gabriel Mahler, Tom Macky, Noam Mouille, Simon Hatcher (Bow)
Where to watch the Boat Race in London
If you want to be in south west London to watch the whole thing IRL, we’ve got you covered. Here are all the fan zone and riverside pub info you need.
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