The Boat Race in London
The Boat Race in London is the most important week in the sporting calendar of the British capital. This boating race takes place between two old rivals Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club for over two centuries now. Each year the loser challenges the winner to a re-match and thus this tradition continues. This Boat Race stretches till 4.2 miles, as it starts from Putney and ends near Chiswick Bridge. This race is governed by a joint understanding between the boat clubs of both Cambridge and Oxford University, so even a minor chance dispute wouldn’t take place. Today this rowing competition is a big hit among the Londoners as millions of people watch it live on TV screens and near about quarter million see it free of charge from the banks of the River Thames.
Visit: The Boat Race Website
Instructions
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History:
The first ever Boat Race took place way back in 1829, however, this event started taking place quite regularly each year since 1856. After that it wasn’t held only between the two world wars. This tradition began when Cambridge University challenged Oxford University to a race at Henley on Thames. Later this event remained in dispute over the location issue between the two sides that was finally resolved when the Oxford University Boat Club was formed. As result of that racing between the two rivals universities resumed and this tradition still continues till today.
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Activities:
The Boat Race is one of the biggest events that takes place on the River Thames, and as result of that, a lot of activity is generated since the supporters of two renowned universities (Oxford University Boat Club and Cambridge University Boat Club) come to watch this race. The turnover of the spectators at River Thames was close to quarter million according to an estimate of 2010.
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Important Dates:
Summers – end of March or start of April (every year this event is announced before March). -
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Duration:
The duration of Boat Race in London is 6 days. -
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How to Contact:
Those, who would like to get in touch with the administrators of this event in order to gain information regarding different aspects of The Boat Race in London, should use the information provided below:
Maria O'Connor
Press Officer
Contact: +44 7921 603 987
Email: maria@profsports.com
Jed Moore
Head of Communications
Contact: +44 7985 628 306
Email: jed@profsports.com
Marcus Littlejohns
Head of Sponsorship
Contact: +44 7826 959 073
Email: marcus@profsports.com -
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Location:
Putney Pier, United Kingdom -
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How to get there:
By Tube
Putney Bridge tube station is about 0.4 miles away from the Putney Pier, which is the starting point of the Boat Race. The gap between the Putney Pier and Putney Bridge tube station can be covered on foot in 9 minutes roughly. In order to do so patrons of this tube station should head north on Station Approach towards Fulham High Street and continue onto Gonville Street. Then, turn left onto Putney Bridge/Putney Bridge Approach/A219 and turn right onto Lower Richmond Road/B306. This will lead them to the right turn onto Embankment, from where they should turn left to stay on Embankment and soon they will find the Putney Pier on the right. View Map
By Bus
The Embankment (Stop P) is the nearest bus stop to Putney Pier that will play host to the Boat Race. The Embankment (Stop P) is situated at a distance of 276 ft from the Putney Pier and by walk a person can cover this gap in 1 minute. In order to arrive at The Embankment (Stop P) Boat Race spectators can use these bus numbers 22, 265, 485 and N22.
