Each year Oxford and Cambridge select top opponents from the UK and beyond for a series of official and media fixtures.
Fixtures are match races that the clubs organise themselves against opposition that they expect to give them a robust challenge (you learn nothing when one crew is much faster than the other).
They won’t race the full Boat Race course, typically they’ll break it up into two or three shorter pieces so that the crews can race, learn some lessons and then have an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the next piece.
Remember: you can also watch behind-the-scenes exclusive footage of the race build up in Episode 1 of Turning The Tide.
Boat Race Fixture dates and times
(all times are provisional and are subject to change due to weather and tidal movements so please check back for updates.)
24 January 2026: OUBC women v London RC (15:31) – POSTPONED: new date TBA
22 February 2026: CUBC women v Leander (15:15)
7 March 2026: OUBC men v Oxford Brookes (15:23)
8 March 2026: CUBC women and men v Dutch National Squad (14:53 and 15:53) – Media fixture – Buy tickets >>
21 March 2026: OUBC women v Leander (13:34) plus OUBC men training – Media fixture – Buy tickets >>
22 March 2026: CUBC men v Leander (15:10)
How to watch
Spectators can always watch the crews from Putney Embankment for any of the fixtures.
For the media fixtures (Sunday 8 March and Saturday 21 March 2026), a live blog will be available for the media fixture (link will be posted here nearer the time), and London Rowing Club will be open from 12 noon-5pm – tickets are required.
You’ll be able to watch the crews’ first pieces as they race off the start and meet and mix with fellow fans of The Boat Race.
Our exclusive range of The Boat Race licensed merchandise will be available to purchase on site.