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The Oxford & Cambridge University Boat Race
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April 7th 2012 sees the 158th Boat Race between crews from the
Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. First raced in 1829, The Boat
Race is one of the oldest sporting events in the world with up to
250,000 people lining the banks of the River Thames and millions
watching this unique sporting event on TV around the world.
The 2012 Race will be the 158th event; Cambridge lead the series
with 80 victories to Oxford's 76, with only one dead heat in
1877. Can Oxford win again in 2012 and close the gap? With two
very strong squads of athletes, expect to see another great race
this year.
About The Boat Race
The two university rowing teams first raced each other in 1829
in Henley on Thames following a challenge between old school
friends. Oxford won this first race easily, and their winning boat
can still be seen in the River & Rowing Museum in Henley. Since the
second race in 1836 the contest has taken place in London, and from
1856 the race has been held annually, with the exception of the
World Wars.
The teams compete in eight oared rowing boats, each boat is
steered by a cox who sits at back (stern) of the boat
and is the only crew member who faces in the direction of
travel. The Cambridge crew wear light blue, while Oxford wear dark
blue. All the crew members must be students at the
universities and the Cambridge
University Boat Club and Oxford
University Boat Club train and select the
crew.
The crew that wins the coin toss before the race choses which
side (or station) they will race on. The stations are known as
Middlesex and Surrey, with advantages and disadvantages for each
side because of the bends in the river. The course neasures four
and a quarter miles from Putney to Mortlake. The record time for
the course of 16 minutes 19 seconds was set by Cambridge in 1998
- It takes the crew about 600 strokes to complete the
course!
Where To Watch The Boat Race
Up to 250,000 people flock to the river each year to cheer the
the Oxford and Cambridge University crews and watch them race
the famous four-and-a-quarter mile course from Putney to
Mortlake. You can watch this spectatcular event from either
side of the river along the course, but the best areas areas
are:
- Putney Bridge and Bishop's Park (start)
- Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC (first mile mark)
- Hammersmith and Barnes (mid-point)
- Chiswick Bridge (finish)
If you can't get to the river, you can join in the fun from
home - in the UK The Boat Race is shown live on BBC1 and streamed on the
BBC iPlayer.
Video - Xchanging Boat Race 2010 Promo
Location
Dates
7 April 2012
Prices
| Adult |
0 |
| Child (under 16) |
0 |
| OAP |
0 |
Contact
For more information about this event please contact:
The Boat Race
Tel: 07921 603 987
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