The Boat Race is an annual rowing competition between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England. It takes place on the River Thames in London, typically in late March or early April. The race features teams of eight rowers from each university, competing over a distance of 4.2 miles. The event has a rich history, first held in 1829, and has become a significant part of British sporting culture. The race attracts large crowds and is broadcasted on television, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. It symbolizes the rivalry between the two prestigious institutions.