The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is popularly known simply as The Boat Race, and it is one of London's most popular spectator events. It is estimated that over 250,000 people come out to watch the race, and millions more watch it on television both in the UK and abroad.

The Boat Race began in 1829 as a simple race between two friends, Charles Merivale who attended Cambridge, and Charles Wordsworth who was at Oxford. It was then held sporadically over the years, with great dispute ensuing over the venue and format of the race. It has been held every year since 1856, except during the world wars.

The rivalry between the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club is fierce and of long-standing, but of all the sports competitions held between these two schools, this is perhaps one of the bitterest and most well-known.

The competitors are both known as "Blues", with Cambridge in the light blue, and Oxford in dark blue.

The boat race takes place in the Spring, usually on the last Saturday in March or the first Saturday in April. The course runs along the River Thames from Putney to Mortlake, a distance of 4 miles, 374 yards.

The sculls are called heavyweight eights, and they hold eight rowers and a cox. During the race, the sculls compete for the fastest currents which lie in the deeper parts of the river, and this can lead to some clashing of blades and warnings from the umpires when boats work to edge each other out of the prime locations.

The race is famous for proceeding even in inclement weather, and several races have seen one or both crews actually sinking due to weather conditions.

There are many places along the banks of the Thames to view the race, but Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge are two of the nicest.

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is a fun and free London sporting event.

Best areas to watch the race are: Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and Bishops Park (at the start); Hammersmith and Barnes (mid-course); Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish).

Photo courtesy: zoonabar

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