The Veterans’ Boat Race is an annual rowing contest between alumni of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge who previously represented their university in The Boat Race. The men’s Veterans’ Boat Race began in 1954, while the women’s event was introduced much later in 2022, reflecting the growing prominence of women’s rowing within the historic rivalry.
To be eligible, competitors must have raced for Oxford or Cambridge in a previous Boat Race. The men’s race is governed by an average crew age requirement of 42 years or over on race day, ensuring the event remains a true veterans’ competition. The women’s race follows the same alumni-only principle but is organised separately under equivalent eligibility standards. Crews race over a shortened section of the Championship Course on the River Thames, with the same rowing and steering rules used in The Boat Race.
In the lead up to the 2023 Boat Race, the rowing community was shaken by the loss of a remarkable figure, Dr. Tim Senior. The impact of his sudden death at a rowing event, saw ripples across the British and international rowing community. Tim joined The Boat Race Company as Chairman in 2021 and his impact was immediate; his energy, drive and passion for rowing and business evident.
To commemorate his legacy, The Boat Race Company proudly announces the creation of The Senior Cup presented to the winners of the Veterans’ Boat Races. The Senior Cup stands not only as a testament to Tim’s leadership but also as a symbol of the enduring spirit of rowing. Tim’s dedication to the sport spanned decades, from learning to row at Nottingham University to his collegiate days at Oxford and Cambridge and his active participation in ‘veteran rowing squads’ after university.
In recent years, the Veterans’ Boat Race has featured several internationally renowned rowers. Olympic champions and medallists such as Grace Prendergast, Olivia Coffey, Henry Fieldman, Storm Uru, Blaise Metreweli and Erin Kennedy have all taken part, demonstrating the event’s high standard. Their involvement has helped raise the profile of the race, which celebrates the enduring connection between former Boat Race athletes and one of rowing’s greatest sporting traditions.