The world-famous boat race returns on April 4, 2026

The world famous boat race which sees two historic universities competing on the River Thames is rapidly approaching. Since 1829, Cambridge and Oxford University have been battling each other in the boat race.

Its inaugural event was held in 1829, when Charles Wordsworth from Christ Church College in Oxford and Charles Merivale from St John’s, Cambridge, met during the holidays in Cambridge.

Wordsworth went rowing on the River Cam and the pair decided to have a race. The first race was therefore held and for the next 25 years, a race was held infrequently.

However, from 1856 it became an annual event. This year’s event takes place in London on Saturday, April 4.

The women’s race will first take place at 2.21pm, followed by the men’s race at 3.21pm. Those taking part race along 4.25 miles of the River Thames, from Putney to Mortlake. Over 200,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event.

For people heading to London to see the action, there are several places they can watch it. There are two fan zones, including one in Hammersmith and another in Fulham. Each fan zone offers food, drink and giant screens.

If people want to watch it but don’t want to travel, they can watch it from the comfort of their home. This year, the boat race is being broadcast by a different channel.

For many years the BBC has broadcast the race. However, this year it will be broadcast on Channel 4. Last year, Channel 4 won the TV rights to show the boat race for the next five years.