The Cancer UK Boat Race is upon us again and thousands of rowing fans are expected to descend on the banks of the Thames this Saturday (March 24).

The historic four-mile rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge begins at Putney and ends in Mortake.

The course was first used for the race, which started in 1829, in 1845 and has been used for every one since, apart from 1846, 1856 and 1863 when the race was held in the opposite direction between Mortlake and Putney.

The women’s boat race kicks off at 4.31pm, while the men’s starts at 5.32pm.

Here’s the timetable of events:

• Noon: The boat race fan parks at Bishop’s Park and Furnviall Gardens open

• 2.41pm: Coin toss for the women’s boat race- The winner of the coin toss have the choice of the Surrey or Middlesex side of the river

• 2.56pm: Coin toss for women’s reserve boats between Osiris (Oxford) and Blondie (Cambridge)

• 3.11pm: Coin Toss for men’s reserve boat between Isis (Oxford) and Goldie (Cambridge)

• 3.15pm: Festival of rowing- Gloriana, The Queen's Rowbardge, and a flotilla of small boats will depart Putney

• 3.26pm: Coin toss for the men’s boat race

• 3.43pm: OUWBC leave Boathouse at Putney Embankment

• 3.46pm: CUWBC leave Boathouse at Putney Embankment

• 3.58pm: Osiris leave Boathouse

• 4.01pm: Blondie leave Boathouse

• 4.13pm: Goldie leave Boathouse

• 4.16pm: Isis leave Boathouse

• 4.31pm: The Cancer Research UK Women's Boat Race

• 4.44pm: CUBC leave Boathouse

• 4.46pm: Osiris v Blondie Boat Race

• 4.47pm: OUBC leave Boathouse

• 5.01pm: Isis v Goldie Boat Race

• 5.32pm: The Cancer Research UK Men's Boat Race

There will be parking restrictions in Putney for the event. Spaces on the Embankment will be suspended from 8am on Saturday until about 8pm.

Drivers who park their cars overnight on Friday will need to have their vehicles moved by the deadline or they will be towed away.

Residential roads linking Putney Embankment with Lower Richmond Road will also be closed to all traffic on Saturday apart from residents.

In Mortlake, parking will be restricted along Thames Bank, Ship Lane, Williams Lane and Lower Richmond Road between noon and 10pm.

Richmond Council has also urged people to bring reusable drinks bottles instead of using plastic cups. 

See related: Council urges those attending Boat Race to ditch single use plastics

Here are some places with a good view of the race on the day:

Barnes and Mortlake

  • The Ship, Mortlake
  • The White Hart, Barnes
  • The Bulls Head, Barnes

Putney

  • Putney Bridge
  • Dukes Head, Putney
  • Star and Garter, Putney
  • Putney Embankment and Barn Elms Boathouse