Every year for over 150 years there is an event called “The Boat Race” . It’s a row boat race between two of the most historic and prosperous Universities in England. On April 3rd, 2010, Oxford University and Cambridge University will continue the tradition of Rowing on the River Thames.
Rushing River Racing
The Boat Race
Since 1856, the race is an honor to be a part of for the University students. The race is just over 4 miles long between two boats with 8 rowers. The rowers are called “the Blues” . That’s because both Universities wear blue colors. The light blues are from Cambridge and the dark blues are from Oxford. Over the years Cambridge is slightly leading Oxford 79-75 in victories, but Oxford has recently dominated the race winning 7 races throughout the last decade.
Exciting Exhaustion
The Boat Race
The most recent races have been very exciting. In 2002, Cambridge was leading with only a few hundred meters to go when one of the rowers collapsed from exhaustion and the Oxford team was able to pass and win just at the finish line. The race is very short and fast and it only last about 20 minutes. You can watch some of the old races on youtube.
Mob of Millions
The Boat Race
To watch the race is exciting. One quarter of a million people gather along the sides of the river to watch this historic rivalry. Just under 10 million people in the UK will watch the event live on television and more than 20 million Worldwide will watch it on satellite TV. Whenever this many people gather to watch an event like this, the energy and excitement makes an unforgettable memory.
Let us know in the comments if you were able to catch the event live.
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