Behind the famous annual race is months of preparation, cold, dark mornings on the freezing water, and an internal battle for selection almost as nerve-wracking as the big day itself

Allegations of elitism and snobbery permanently follow the famous Boat Race, one of Britain’s most iconic and longstanding sporting institutions, and it is turning to a luxury sponsor, new live coverage deals, and reality stars to maintain that prestigious image while staying relevant in the modern age

Cambridge have dominated in recent years, on both the men’s and, in particular, the women’s side.

The Dark Blues have won the past eight women’s races in a row and the past three on the men’s side.

Cambridge’s historical advantage in the men’s race is 88-81, while Cambridge women have won 49 races to Oxford’s 30.

You can watch this year’s race on Channel 4, who hold the rights for the race for the next five years, with coverage beginning at 1:30pm BST.

Fans can enjoy the races across many spots along the Thames all the way up to the finish line in Mortlake, with the towpath on Putney and Chiswick Bridge especially popular.

Women’s reserves: 2.36 pm

The Chanel J12 Boat Race, in its 80th edition for the women and 171st edition for the men, will take place on the River Thames, London.

Usually the race features on the Sunday, but this year it will take place on Saturday, 4 April.

The women go first, two and a half hours before high tide, with the men an hour later. This will give both teams the best chance to row in the fastest possible water current.

Both races take place along a 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames – the Tideway – starting in Putney and finishing in Mortlake.

With Cambridge women victorious since 2017 and Cambridge men extending their win streak to three in a row, Oxford face a tough task to seize glory once again.

Another fascinating narrative in the evolution of the race is the French influence: both men’s teams’ presidents are French, with Noam Mouelle leading Cambridge Men, and Tobias Bernard, who is British-French, leading Oxford and established as the cox of the men’s crew.

Hello and welcome to the Chanel J12 Boat Race 2026!

Cambridge and Oxford resume their usual hostilities in the hotly anticipated annual clash, with the Light Blues hot favourites in the men’s race but a much closer women’s race expected.

We’ll have all the build-up and updates from today’s races right here.