Women's Boat Race to be held on same day as men's in Putney
1:30pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Where I Live By Sarah Marsh
Last year's competitors approach Barnes Bridge
The women's Boat Race is to be staged on the same course as the men's competition, sending a clear message about the need for equality in sport.
As far back as 1927, oarswomen have traditionally rowed on the River Thames at Henley a week before the more high-profile men's event, which takes place on a four-and-a-quarter mile course between Putney and Mortlake.
Now, things are set to change, as from 2015 the two events will be held together, on the same day, with the women's race preceding the men's.
A new sponsorship deal, due to be announced at a press conference today, February 8, will allow the two universities to have first-class crews racing for both sexes.
A Boat Race spokesman said: "This is part of the commitment from the new sponsors to bring parity to the women's and men's clubs.
"The boat race has needed this for a couple of years and now there is commitment from sponsors to ensure it happens."
The boat race has needed this for a couple of years and now there is commitment from sponsors to ensure it happens.
Boat Race spokesman
The changes are understood to be aimed at creating a 21st-century feel to the country's oldest student sporting event and attract new commercial interest.
Moving the women's boats to a stretch of the Thames called the Tideway is a decision that will further advance equality in sport, following the All England Tennis Club announcing equal prize money for the men's and women's singles at Wimbledon in 2007.
The Boat Race attracts about 250,000 people to the banks of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake each year.
Last year, 7.3 million viewers in the UK tuned in to watch Oxford beat Cambridge by a length.
In contrast, the Henley Boat Race usually attracts just a few thousand spectators and has not been televised since the late 1990s.
The Boat Race, which will be screened on the BBC1, takes place on April 7 from 2.15pm.
