The Boat Race
What is the Boat Race?
The Boat Race is a rowing race which takes place every year on the River Thames in London. The competitors are two crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
When did the Boat Race start?
The first Boat Race took place in 1829, at Henley on Thames, as a result of a challenge between two old school friends. Since the second racce in 1836, the competition has taken place in London.
The Course
The Boat Race Course is 4 miles 374 yards long (6.8km) It stretches from Putney to Mortlake on the River Thames in South West London. The race starts downstream of Putney Bridge, passes under Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge before finishing just short of Chiswick Bridge. The race is rowed upstream and is timed to start on the incoming flood tide so that the crews row with the fastest possible current.
Winners
This year's race on Sunday 31st March 2013 will be the 159th Boat Race. To date Cambridge have 81 wins, while Oxford have 76 wins. In 1877 the race ended in a dead heat.
To learn more about The Boat Race visit http://theboatrace.org/men/about-the-race
Extra challenge?
Miss G has placed a clue as to which team she supports during The Boat Race. Can you work out what clue she has given and which team she supports?
Miss G has placed a clue as to which team she supports during The Boat Race. Can you work out what clue she has given and which team she supports?