When is the Boat Race? Date, time, schedule and how to watch Oxford v Cambridge on TV
After Cambridge secured victory in both the men’s and women’s races last year, Oxford are out for revenge this year in the historic meeting between both universities
The Chanel J12 Boat Race is back with Cambridge looking to extend their dominance and Oxford determined to fight back on the River Thames in London. With Cambridge women victorious since 2017 and Cambridge men extending their win streak to three in a row, Oxford face a tough task to seize glory once again. “Ultimate bragging rights” will be on the line when sisters Lilli and Mia Freischem face off on opposing teams in the women’s race, too, with the former looking to prevent the latter from completing a decade of dominance.
Another fascinating narrative in the evolution of the race is the French influence: both men’s teams’ presidents are French, with Noam Mouelle leading Cambridge Men, and Tobias Bernard, who is British-French, leading Oxford and established as the cox of the men’s crew. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race: The Boat Race was marred by concerns over water pollution in the Thames last year (Getty Images) When and where is the Boat Race 2026? The Chanel J12 Boat Race, in its 80th edition for the women and 171st edition for the men, will take place on the River Thames, London.
Usually the race features on the Sunday, but this year it will take place on Saturday, 4 April. The women go first, two and a half hours before high tide, with the men an hour later. This will give both teams the best chance to row in the fastest possible water current.
Both races take place along a 4. 2-mile stretch of the River Thames - the Tideway - starting in Putney and finishing in Mortlake. Schedule All times BST Women: 2.