Why is the Boat Race 2018 on Saturday? Live stream, start time, and TV channel for Oxford vs Cambridge
The fierce rivals will go head-to-head on the River Thames this Saturday
THE Boat Race returns this Saturday as fierce rivals Oxford and Cambridge prepare to lock horns for the 164th time.
Cambridge are overall winners with a record of 82-80, but the Oxford crew have dominated in recent years.
Why is the race on a Saturday?
From the first race in 1829, it has always been tradition for this event to take place on a Saturday.
But in recent years, this had been changed and the race has taken place on Sunday.
This has reportedly been due to broadcasting rights and the tide tables.
The race began when Cambridge student Charles Merivale challenged Oxford student Charles Wordsworth to a race, and he gladly accepted.
When is the boat race?
It will take place on the Thames on Saturday, March 24.
The women's race will start at 4:31pm.
And the men's race will get under way at 5:32pm.
The course is 4.2miles long from Putney to Mortlake.
How can I watch the race?
You can watch all of the action live on BBC1.
Coverage is set to start at 3:50pm.
Alternatively, online viewers can watch the race live on BBC iPlayer.
