Bragging rights are on the line in the 2026 Boat Race, an annual event between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Cambridge extended their winning streak in both the men's and women's races last year, and Oxford will be desperate to reverse the tide - not least Mia Freischem, who will oppose her sister Lilli in the women's race.
What is the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race?
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is an annual rowing competition between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, held on the River Thames in London.
Established in 1829, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in the world, with the race traditionally taking place in April.
The event features four races, including the Men's Race and Women's Race, and attracts thousands of spectators along the riverbank and millions more watching on television.
Date
The Boat Race 2026 will take place on Saturday 4th April, 2026.
Start time
The full event timetable consists of four races, commencing with the 80th Women's Boat Race and concluding with the 171st Men's Boat Race.
- 14:21 - 80th Women’s Boat Race
- 14:31 - Osiris v Blondie Boat Race (Women’s Reserves)
- 14:51 - Isis v Goldie Boat Race (Men’s Reserves)
- 15:21 - 171st Men’s Boat Race
*All times in BST
Location
The annual Boat Race takes place on the u-shaped stretch of the River Thames between Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge, in London.
Distance
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race takes place over a 4.2 mile (6.8 km) course on the River Thames.
Oxford v Cambridge team colours
Historically, Cambridge donned pink or scarlet but in more modern times both teams wear a varying shade of blue.
Cambridge tend to go with a 'duck egg' or light blue colour, whilst Oxford sport a slightly darter shade, with both colours linked to each of the respective universities.
Oxford v Cambridge stats and head-to-head record (H2H)
Cambridge hold a narrow advantage over Oxford in the Men's race with 88 wins to 81.
The Women's race has not been as close over the years, with Cambridge winning 49 of the 79 races.
Oxford have only won the Men's race once since 2017, while Cambridge have won the last eight Women's races.
Boat Race - Men's head-to-head record (H2H)
Oxford wins | 81 |
Cambridge wins | 88 |
Boat Race - Women's head-to-head record (H2H)
Oxford wins | 30 |
Cambridge wins | 49 |
