The University Boat Race is one of the world's oldest amateur sporting events, having run its inaugural race way back in 1829.
The course is 4.25 miles long and is timed to start 1 1/2 hours before the incoming high tide. This allows the crews to row with the fastest possible current.
Photo: theboatrace.orgLast year saw Cambridge beat Oxford by a commanding 3 1/2 lengths, extending their overall lead to 87-81. They also walked away with the women's title by a massive 7 lengths, increasing their lead to 48-30.
Start of the race at Putney Bridge
The race begins a few metres west of Putney Bridge (close to Putney Bridge tube station).
Photo: theboatrace.orgIf you stand near Putney Embankment then you'll be able to view the coin toss and cheer the crews as they take to the water.
Further up the course by Bishops Park is where you'll find some food stalls, family attractions and a beer tent behind the South Stand of Fulham's Craven Cottage. They usually erect a big TV as well so you can watch the later stages of the race.
Photo: theboatrace.orgHalfway point at Hammersmith Bridge
After approx 6m 20s (7m 6s for the women) they'll reach the halfway point at Hammersmith Bridge where the bend of the river really starts to favour one side over the other.
The cox's like to aim for the second lamppost from the left as they pass under the span, and if your team is leading here then the chances are they'll carry on to win.
Photo: theboatrace.orgThe closest tube stations to this section are Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park, and they usually set up another big TV on the north bank, at the very top of the bend.
Barnes Bridge to the finish
The boats will then pass a small nature reserve on an uninhabited island where they'll do battle with the rough water, before passing under Barnes Bridge and following the river as it sweeps tightly round towards Mortlake.
Photo: theboatrace.orgIf your team is holding the inside line here then they'll have an almost unassailable advantage as they head towards the finish.
The race comes to an end just before Chiswick Bridge -- look for a post in the water level with The Ship pub. The men's record is 16m 19s held by Cambridge. They also hold the women's record of 18m 33s.
