The annual clash between Oxford and Cambridge university rowing crews will take place this Saturday in what promises to be a memorable edition of the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race 2026.

The women’s competition gets underway at 2.21pm, with the men’s event following at 3.21pm, ensuring a thrilling afternoon of sporting action.

This renowned competition, which began with the inaugural men’s race in 1829, has developed into a cherished British tradition over 186 years of fierce rivalry between the two prestigious universities.

[Image caption: Rowers preparing on the river in high spirits, 1977 (Image: Oxford Mail archive)]

The contest occurs in London along the renowned Championship Course, a 4.25-mile stretch of the tidal Thames in the western part of the city, connecting Putney and Mortlake.

More than 250,000 fans typically line the riverbanks to witness the spectacle in person, while additional viewers tune in via television broadcast. This year marks a first, with coverage airing on Channel 4 rather than the BBC.

To mark this yearly tradition, we have compiled a collection of the finest photographs capturing the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race from the Oxford Mail archive spanning various years.