The Boat Race 2026 takes place today, Saturday 4 April, on the River Thames in London — and anticipation could not be higher. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the banks from Putney to Mortlake for one of British sport’s oldest and most cherished traditions, while millions more will tune in on Channel 4 to watch Oxford and Cambridge battle it out on the water.
When Is the Boat Race 2026?
Both the Women’s and Men’s Boat Races are scheduled for Saturday 4 April 2026. The Women’s Blue Boat race begins at 14:21 BST, with the Men’s Blue Boat race following at 15:21 BST. Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage from 1:30pm through to 4:30pm, while Times Radio offers an audio alternative from 1pm.
The Course: Putney to Mortlake
The Championship Course stretches 4.25 miles along the tidal Thames, starting at the University Stone at Putney Bridge and finishing at Chiswick Bridge near Mortlake. The race typically takes between 16 and 20 minutes depending on the tide and wind conditions. A coin toss before the race determines which crew gets to choose their station — Surrey (south bank) or Middlesex (north bank) — a decision that can significantly affect the outcome given the river’s natural bend.
Who Is Favourite to Win?
Cambridge arrive as favourites in both the men’s and women’s events after winning all four Blue Boat races in 2025. In the men’s competition, Cambridge lead the all-time record 88–81, while in the women’s they hold a 49–30 advantage over Oxford. History is firmly on Cambridge’s side, but Oxford will be desperate to spoil the party.
Oxford’s women’s crew have been generating particular interest ahead of the race, with coxswain Heidi Long attracting considerable attention for her leadership skills and tactical nous. Meanwhile, Cambridge’s men’s squad have shown impressive power throughout the season’s preparation races and are considered slight favourites going into the afternoon.
How to Watch the Boat Race 2026 on TV
In the United Kingdom, Channel 4 holds the broadcast rights and will air both races live with expert commentary and analysis. Coverage begins at 1:30pm and runs until 4:30pm. The races are also available to stream via Channel 4’s on-demand service for those watching on mobile or tablet.
For international viewers, the official Boat Race YouTube channel streams the event live, making it accessible worldwide at no cost. Highlights will also be available across social media in the hours following the races.
The History of the Boat Race
The first Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race took place in 1829, making this year’s contest the 171st Men’s Boat Race and the 80th Women’s Boat Race — a milestone in its own right. The race began as a friendly challenge between two students, Charles Merivale of Cambridge and Charles Wordsworth of Oxford, and has grown into one of the world’s most watched annual sporting events.
Cambridge hold the overall record in the men’s competition, but Oxford have had their moments — most notably a string of victories in the 1970s and 1980s when they dominated the event for nearly a decade. In recent years, Cambridge have reasserted their authority, and a win today would extend their run of dominance further.
What to Expect on the Day
More than 200,000 spectators are expected along the riverbanks, with the stretch near Hammersmith Bridge traditionally the most popular vantage point for watching both crews pass at close quarters. The atmosphere is typically festive — a genuine occasion on London’s sporting calendar that transcends the university rivalry at its heart.
Weather permitting, the racing should be dramatic. Both events are decided on racing fitness, tactics, and — sometimes — pure fortune when it comes to which crew gains the advantage on tidal water. Crews will warm up early and the umpire’s launch will keep them in check in the build-up to each start.
Key Facts for 2026
- Women’s Race: 14:21 BST, 4 April 2026
- Men’s Race: 15:21 BST, 4 April 2026
- Course: Putney to Mortlake (4.25 miles)
- TV: Channel 4 (live, free-to-air), 1:30pm–4:30pm
- Overall men’s record: Cambridge lead 88–81
- Overall women’s record: Cambridge lead 49–30
Whether you’re heading to the riverbank or settling in front of the television, the Boat Race 2026 is shaping up to be a compelling afternoon of sport. Both races are free to watch on Channel 4, and with two talented squads poised to race in conditions that look set to be dry and brisk, this could be one of the closer contests in recent memory.