Boat Race 2024: What is the Oxford-Cambridge rowing race all about?

Today is the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.

The event is famous all over the world, with hundreds of thousands of people lining the banks of the Thames for it and loads more watching it on TV.

It's a traditional event which takes place every year between men's and women's teams from Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Here's where it came from and how you can watch the races.

What is the University Boat Race?

Cambridge have won the women's race every year since 2016

The Boat Race is a competition between the rowing teams of two of the UK's oldest universities, Oxford and Cambridge.

It's held on the River Thames in London and the course is 4.2 miles.

The first ever race - with only men's teams taking part - took place in 1829 and it's been held every year since 1856, except during the First and Second World Wars and, during the Covid pandemic, it was cancelled in 2020 and took place on the Great Ouse River in Ely in 2021.

The first women's race was in 1927, but used to only be rowed on rivers in Oxford or Cambridge.

The races haven't always taken place on the same day either.

Overall, Cambridge men lead Oxford by 84 wins to 80, with one dead heat in 1877, and Cambridge women lead Oxford 45 to 30.

Twin-tastic boat race

Catherine (left) and Gemma King will be competing for opposing teams in this year’s Oxford and Cambridge boat race

Twin sisters are to compete in the Oxford and Cambridge boat race on opposing teams: Catherine and Gemma King, are studying at the rival universities.

Catherine and Gemma are used to competing side by side, having rowed together since the age of 12.

The 24-year-old's said their parents will be supporting both teams and may wear hats and t-shirts with both Cambridge's light blue and Oxford's dark blue colours.

Pollution problems

One of the big stories about the race this year has been around pollution.

Often the winners celebrate by jumping into the river, but this year all involved have been advised to stay out of the River Thames due to high levels of E.coli being found.

That's a bacteria that can cause a range of conditions like infections and vomiting.

Crews have also been warned to cover any blisters, and to wear footwear when getting in and out of the boat.

The environment charity River Action said tests suggested the bacteria came from sewage being discharged into the river.

Thames Water said improving river health was a "key focus" for the firm.

What time is the boat race and where can I watch it?

The race starts at 2pm on BBC One or on iPlayer.

The 78th women's race starts at 2.46pm and the 169th men's at 3.46.