In the United Kingdom, the coming of Easter marks one of the oldest sporting events in world history. Commonly known as the University Boat Race, it is a rowing race between the boat clubs of two of England’s most prestigious Universities, Oxford and Cambridge. The event is held on either the last Saturday of March or the first Saturday of April on the River Thames, and attracts thousands of spectators from all over the country. According to reports, in 2010 there was an estimated half a million spectators lining the banks of the River Thames and millions more glued to their television screens. What makes this two sided race so enthralling is the deep rooted rivalry of the two teams, the history of the event as well as the festivities surrounding the boat race. Bars and restaurants along the River Thames are simply crammed with avid supporters, enjoying a cold pint whilst soaking up the early spring rays.
History of the University Boat Race
Exhausted crews at the finish of the 2002 Boat Race. Cambridge at the left. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The first boat race between Cambridge and Oxford University took place in 1829 when two school friends made a challenge. Charles Wordsworth (nephew of poet William Wordsworth) of Christchurch College, Oxford and Charles Merrivale of St. John’s, Cambridge set the date for the 10th June at Henley on Thames. In this landmark boat race Oxford won easily and the winning boat can still be seen at the River and Rowing Museum. The second race was held a few years later in London, where the event has been hosted ever since. It was only in 1856 that the University Boat Race became an annual event with the exemption of the two World Wars.
The University Boat Race Course
The University Boat Race course spans a distance of 374 km, starting in Putney and winding through Hammersmith and Barnes in an S shape. A coin is tossed to decide which team takes which side of the river, according to weather conditions and the bends of the course.
The April 2012 University Boat Race
The 158th University Boat Race had its fair share of excitement and drama. A British man protesting against elitism and privilege managed to stop both of the teams mid race by swimming in front of both boats. The disturbance caused a 31 minute delay after which the two crews restarted. After the restart the two boats clashed, causing Oxford crewmember Dr. Hanno Wienhausen to lose his oar. This meant that effectively Oxford only had seven oarsmen for the remainder of the University Boat Race, giving Cambridge a major advantage and a win of four and a half lengths.
Penny Munroe is an avid writer in London events and news. Article range from the latest celebrity Thames wedding to Olympic Games developments.
