Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

The Boat Race is one of the oldest sporting events in the world.

It is an annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities.

The Race takes place close to Easter each year on the River Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake.

The first race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames following a challenge between old school friends. Since the second race in 1836 the contest has taken place in London.

The closest finish in the race's history was in 2003, when there was just a foot between the Cambridge boat and the winners, Oxford. A dead heat was recorded in 1877, but the gap between the boats was thought to be as much as 2 metres (6 ft) - there was no finishing line photography in those days.

The 6.8-km (4 miles, 374 yards) race starts out at Putney and finishes at Mortlake; spectators can watch the boat race all along the course from both sides of the river, but prime viewing spots are: Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and the towpath in front of Bishops Park at the start; Hammersmith and Barnes towards the middle of the course; and Duke's Meadows and Chiswick Bridge at the end.

Watched by thousands along the banks of The Tideway, between Putney and Mortlake in London, and by millions more on TV around the world, The Boat Race is a unique sporting event.