The Boat Race 2025 route: How to join 300,000 spectators to watch Oxford vs Cambridge

One of Britain's most historic sporting match-ups returns this weekend. No, it isn't Fulham vs Bournemouth (surprisingly). Instead, Oxford vs Cambridge for the 2025 Boat Race.

A whopping 300,000 are estimated to be in attendance for the oar off, with the banks of the Thames likely to be lined with fans cheering on the two universities. Here's everything you need to know ahead of this year's boat race between Oxford and Cambridge.

What is the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race?

The origins of the boat race date back all the way to 1829, with the men's race having been held annually since 1856. In 1927, a women's race was held for the first time, and it has been contested every year since 1964. However, it wasn't until 2015 that the two have been contested on the same day, making for an epic rowing regatta.

When is the 2025 Oxford vs Cambridge boat race?

The Oxford and Cambridge crews will battle it out for this year's titles on Sunday afternoon, with the women's race getting underway at 1:21pm before the men give it a crack an hour later at 2:21pm.

Several other events take place before and after the two showpiece races.

Full schedule:

1:21pm: 79th Women's Boat Race

1:36pm: Women's reserve race: Osiris vs Blondie

1:51pm: Men's reserve race: Isis vs Goldie

2:21pm: 170th Men's Boat Race

2:45pm: Women's presentation (Mortlake)

2:55pm: Men's presentation (Mortlake)

Where to watch the 2025 boat race in London?

Thinking of heading down to watch this sporting spectacle? The good news is you've got a stretch of four miles across the Thames to find your perfect spot.

The route goes from Putney to Mortlake in west London, with the race passing under Putney, Hammersmith and Barnes bridges, before finishing just ahead of Chiswick Bridge. Be warned though, the crowds can get busy!

Where to watch the 2025 boat race on tv?

If you'd rather avoid the hussle and bustle and stay at home to watch the race, rest assured, you'll have the best seat in the house. Coverage of the race begins on BBC One at 12:45pm and runs all the way through to 3:10pm.

Who is the reigning boat race champion?

Cambridge have established themselves as the dominant force in both main disciplines recently, . In fact, you have to go all the way back to 2016 for the last time the Oxford crew were victorious in the women's event. Will history be repeating itself this weekend?