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Friday, 3 April 2026

The 2026 Boat Race - Will it be Oxford or Cambridge?

From as far back as I can remember ‘The Boat Race’ was always a must watch sports event in our family, it was part of our family tradition… which still continues to this day. Yes, it‘s true the family are spread far and wide but we are all together in spirit for this event, and I know texts, emails and phone calls will be made as the Boat Race, which in 2026, will be tomorrow, Saturday 4th April, will be keenly watched or listened to.

My dad was always a firm Oxford Fan … my dear mum always used to support Cambridge - the event was a great family time to share, cheer, commiserate but it was always a time when we were together and for some reason no other sporting event had quite the same effect. I’ve never stopped to analyse why this was. Dear Mum and Dad are no longer with us, but I just know they will be looking down tomorrow as this years boat race is due to start ... and the family will have so many fond memories of years gone by.

The Boat Race was first raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829 and is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, offering an unrivalled educational experience to the student athletes who take part.

The world-famous sporting event between the UK’s two greatest universities now spans nearly 200 years of rivalry and The Boat Race has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence. The Boat Race has established itself as the epitome of amateur sport, raced by student athletes who combine academic rigour with elite physical prowess. There is no greater occasion.

The Boat Race takes place in London on the famous Championship Course that stretches over 4.2 miles of tidal River Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake.

The Boat Race is regularly attended by over 200,000 spectators at the banks of the river and watched by millions more on television... me included!

The Women’s race is due to start at 14:21 and the men's at 15.21
 
* post edit *
Oxford won the women's and Cambridge won the men's


these are old photographs showing a win
for Oxford above
and Cambridge below


After the Boat Race I think an early evening dinner of
Chicken Drumsticks Simply Baked
may be enjoyed, a delicious low carb recipe, details here


A variety of posts, articles and recipe ideas are within this blog. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. Any allergies, or underlying health issues must always be taken into account
If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

32 comments:

J.P. Alexander said...

Disfruta de la carrera y gracias por la receta. Te mando un beso.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Jan, the chicken looks scrumptious and I love ❤️ the photos of the boat race.

Tom said...

...rowing has become popular with high schools in the area.

Granny Marigold said...

That boat race is very well attended. I hope the day will be a lovely one no matter who wins.

contempladoraocidental.blogspot.com said...

Cambridge!

Margaret D said...

Have fun watching that race as I'm sure you will. Chicken looks good.

Jules said...

I can't remember the last time I watched the boat race. Have a lovely weekend, Jan. Xx

eileeninmd said...

Great photos of the boat race! The chicken looks yummy, thanks for sharing.
Take care, enjoy your day and happy Easter weekend!

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Hooray for chicken. It wins every time.
God bless. Happy Easter.

jabblog said...

We always watch the Boar Race, too. It's going to be a cold, windy one this year, I think, with Storm Dave coming in.
Enjoy the race, Jan, and have a peaceful and happy Easter.

Iris Flavia said...

Enjoy the races!! And the memories along with it.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Jan :) my sore wrist prevents me from writing much, but I came over to wish you a Happy Easter.
Best wishes
Sonjia.

Rustic Pumpkin said...

I always used to cheer for Cambridge, but only because I preferred light blue over navy! As I would most likely have gone to Oxford {had my headmistress had her way} then my allegiance would have changed.

My name is Erika. said...

I love this tradition in your family. But I didn't see who you were rooting for. :) Good luck to your team or teams.

Christine said...

May the best team win! Yummy chicken.

Visits With Mary said...

I love baked chicken, your drum sticks look delicious! Enjoy the races!!!

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

I bought some drumsticks and was wondering what to do with them.

DeniseinVA said...

How wonderful Jan, such a lovely tradition and your Mum and Dad be so happy and proud that you are continuing it. Thank you for the chicken recipe too. I will be thinking of you tomorrow when you are all watching the race. Also wishing you A Very Happy Easter :)

Jeanie said...

I love to watch rowing and I would be there rooting for someone -- but who? Probably Oxford, though... maybe Cambridge! Happiest Easter!

Mary Kirkland said...

The chicken looks so good.

roentare said...

Thinking of The Boat Race as something that still brings your family together, with University of Oxford and University of Cambridge carrying those memories forward, is genuinely moving.

HappyK said...

Sounds like a great dinner. :) Hope you enjoyed the races.

DVArtist said...

I would love to see the boat race in person. That chicken looks great will look up the recipe. Happy Easter to you.

Conniecrafter said...

Sounds like a great long tradition for both the universities and your family :)
The chicken sure looks good :)

Rosemary said...

Thank you for your very kind wishes Jan - I sendEaster greetings to you and your family too. I am very touched that you still remember me - sadly currently I have lost my blogging mojoX

Ananka said...

That time of year! Not watched it in years! :-D

Debbie said...

i have never watched a boat race like this. we have "cigarette boats" that race here at the shore. those we watch live. i'm sure your family enjoys the tradition. i love dark chicken, legs are my favorite. these look great!!

sandy said...

That was so nice reading about all the family's love of the boat races. I have seen some similar (can't remember where or when on TV, and really enjoyed watching it. I suppose by now you've already enjoyed it.

Barwitzki said...

The Boat Race are so nice... I am happy!
Hug

baili said...

How amazing your parents were fan of different universities and that makes you love this race 🤗
The dish looks so yummy 👍

Teresa said...

Siempre escuche hablar de esas regatas . Quien ganó este año??.besos.

Lowcarb team member said...

Teresa ... Oxford ganó en la categoría femenina y Cambridge ganó en la masculina.

Mis mejores deseos Jan