Crew members for the 2025 Boat Race will be announced at a public event at Battersea Power Station on 26 March.
More than 150 rowers have put themselves forward for the honour of competing in the prestigious event that starts in Putney and ends just over four miles later.
Only 36 people will be selected however. And it will be at a public event with guests that include previous race competitors, Olympians and VIPs. The event will be open to the public and you are encouraged to join in by sporting either light blue (Cambridge) or dark blue (Oxford) colours.
It will take place in Turbine Hall B inside Battersea Power Station at 5.45pm and will be introduced by Andrew Cotter (BBC Sport commentator) and Siobhan Cassidy (Chair of The Boat Race Company). The selected Men’s and Women’s crews will be announced on stage, with Cotter interviewing the head coaches as they prepare for Race Day. The event will run until 8.30pm.
This year’s race
The race itself will take place on Sunday 13th April this year with the Women’s Race starting at 13:21 and the Men’s Race at 14:21.
Last year, Cambridge University won both the Men’s and Women’s Races, leaving the overall records as 87-81 in the favour of Cambridge Men’s and 48-30 in the favour of Cambridge Women’s.
Every year, around 250,000 spectators descend on Putney to watch the race on the banks of the Thames, making it by far the biggest date of the year for local businesses: Putney’s pubs have already started to take bookings.
Why we love the Boat Race
Not only is the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race rich in history and tradition – it was first held in 1829, making it nearly 200 years old – but it reflects one of the fiercest rivalries in sport, even more than Fulham versus Chelsea football. And it has had its fair share of drama over the years.
The event has continued despite wars, massive social changes and huge global events. It’s a tie-back to our own history at an important moment. It’s also a really hard race, in terms of physical endurance – the waters are rough and unpredictable – strategy – the fact it is not a straight line but has a huge bend means that getting the right line is crucial – and, of course, it is usually very close, making it exciting to watch and follow.
Plus the weather is usually lovely and we get to go out and have a good time among the crowds. See you there!
