The Chanel J12 Boat Race is back with Cambridge looking to extend their dominance and Oxford determined to fight back on the River Thames in London.
With Cambridge women victorious since 2017 and Cambridge men extending their win streak to three in a row, Oxford face a tough task to seize glory once again.
“Ultimate bragging rights” will be on the line when sisters Lilli and Mia Freischem face off on opposing teams in the women’s race, too, with the former looking to prevent the latter from completing a decade of dominance.
Another fascinating narrative in the evolution of the race is the French influence: both men’s teams’ presidents are French, with Noam Mouelle leading Cambridge Men, and Tobias Bernard, who is British-French, leading Oxford and established as the cox of the men’s crew.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race:
When and where is the Boat Race 2026?
The Chanel J12 Boat Race, in its 80th edition for the women and 171st edition for the men, will take place on the River Thames, London.
Usually the race features on the Sunday, but this year it will take place on Saturday, 4 April.
The women go first, two and a half hours before high tide, with the men an hour later. This will give both teams the best chance to row in the fastest possible water current.
Both races take place along a 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames - the Tideway - starting in Putney and finishing in Mortlake.
Schedule
All times BST
Women: 2.21 pm
Women's reserves: 2.36 pm
Men's reserves: 2.51 pm
Men: 3.21 pm
How can I watch the Boat Race?
Independent Sport will have a live blog to keep you updated on all the action up and down the Thames, with Independent sports reporter Flo Clifford in attendance.
You can watch this year’s race on Channel 4, who hold the rights for the race for the next five years, with coverage beginning at 1:30pm BST.
Fans can enjoy the races across many spots along the Thames all the way up to the finish line in Mortlake, with the towpath on Putney and Chiswick Bridge especially popular.
Who holds the upper hand historically?
As mentioned, Cambridge have dominated in recent years, on both the men’s and, in particular, the women’s side.
Cambridge’s historical advantage in the men’s race is 88-81, while Cambridge women have won 49 races to Oxford’s 30.
Oxford vs Cambridge betting: Who are the favourites?
Cambridge are the heavy favourites on betting sites to win the men's race for the fourth year in a row with bookmakers pricing Oxford as the 9/2 underdogs. It's a different story in the women's race though, where Oxford are the 2/5 favourites.
Men's Boat Race Odds
Cambridge - 1/7
Oxford - 9/2
Draw - 100/1
Women's Boat Race Odds
Oxford - 2/5
Cambridge - 15/8
Draw - 100/1
Odds provided by William Hill
Boat Race gets reality star revamp to attract new audiences
Clubs express concerns over O’Neill’s role with Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers
Sisters set to battle for ‘ultimate bragging rights’ in this weekend’s Boat Race
Behind the scenes at Trial Eights, the fight for selection at the famous Boat Race
Boat Race 2025 LIVE: Cambridge crush Oxford to extend dominance
