An 1829 Gold sovereign was tossed to decide which crew would have the Surrey or Middlesex side of the river. Another chapter in the long history of the Oxford v Cambridge boat race, a 4¼ mile course from Putney to Mortlake.
Apparently the 1st race was as a result of Cambridge challenging Oxford to row from the course at which 20,000 spectated in comparison to ¼ million cheering the crews today.
Between the two crews, the youngest member was age 20 and the oldest was age 28.
The exhaustion can only be imagined by those who watch, but how I feel for those rowing in the team that do not cross the finishing line first. Their pain is so visible, whereas the adrenalin of those who win enables that crew to automatically show their elation and relief.
The Royal Marines saw to the psychological confidence of the Cambridge team as they put them through their paces in readiness for this 156th race.
Oxford have chalked up 75 wins, whilst Cambridge can now boast 80. One race was declared a dead heat, although Oxford feel they should claim that one which would make their score stand at 76.
Compelling TV viewing if you have anything to do with either City, University, the sport or have someone dear to you who has it in their blood.
The quickest speed at which this race has been won is recorded at 16 minutes 18 seconds. Today at the finish line was Cambridge 17 minutes 35 seconds and Oxford 17 minutes 39 seconds - only 4 seconds in it!
What was your take on the race?
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