The legendary Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race returns to the River Thames on Sunday, April 13, 2025, bringing with it nearly two centuries of rivalry, pageantry, and sporting tradition.
This year marks the 170th Men’s Boat Race and the 79th Women’s Boat Race, continuing a legacy that began in 1829. Thousands are expected to line the riverbanks for one of the most celebrated events in the British sporting calendar.
Event Overview
The Boat Race is contested over the Championship Course, a 4.25-mile (6.8 km) stretch of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. Known for its challenging bends and tidal conditions, the course tests strength, endurance, and strategic prowess.
- Women’s Race: 1:21 PM
- Men’s Race: 2:21 PM
The women’s race has taken place on the Tideway since 2015 and now commands equal billing with the men’s event. Both races will begin near Putney Bridge and conclude at Chiswick Bridge.
This year, Cambridge seeks to maintain its historical lead, with 87 wins in the men’s race and 48 in the women’s, compared to Oxford’s 81 and 30 respectively.
Watch Live or In Person
Television & Online
- BBC One: Live coverage begins at 12:20 PM
- BBC iPlayer and the Boat Race YouTube Channel: For online streaming
On the Riverbanks
Putney offers one of the best race day atmospheres. Spectators typically arrive early to claim a good viewing spot at:
- Putney Embankment (start line)
- Hammersmith Bridge
- Barnes Bridge
- Chiswick Pier (near the finish line)
Note: Road closures will be in place along the river from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM to accommodate crowds and ensure safety.
Crews and Controversy
Both crews are made up of elite university athletes, often with Olympic or international rowing experience. But this year, a selection controversy sparked headlines when three Cambridge rowers were ruled ineligible due to the classification of their PGCE teaching courses, following a challenge from Oxford. The row has raised questions about eligibility rules and academic criteria, but Cambridge will race on with a strong and restructured lineup.
The odds remain close, with Cambridge slightly favoured in the women’s race, while the men’s race is considered too close to call.
Safety and Environmental Concerns
Not all the headlines have been celebratory. In the run-up to the event, environmental charity River Action and the Fulham Reach Boat Club raised the alarm over high levels of E. coli found in the Thames. The pollution, linked to storm overflows and sewage discharge, has prompted concerns about the health of athletes and spectators. The traditional tossing of the winning cox into the river has been officially discouraged this year due to water quality concerns.
Organisers say safety precautions are in place, but the issue has highlighted the urgent need for environmental action on the Thames and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cheering for Oxford or Cambridge, watching from the riverbank or from home, the 2025 Boat Race is a showcase of elite sport, fierce tradition, and London’s enduring relationship with the River Thames. It’s a story that transcends rowing – of rivalry, resilience, and the thrill of competition. Don’t miss it.
