Rowing: Boat Race - Putney to Mortlake

An idea formulated by two friends in 1829 while they were studying at Cambridge and Oxford evolved into the University Boat race which is being rowed for the 139th time tomorrow. At 3.15 the teams will embark on their 4 1/4-mile journey from Putney to Mortlake, a course first rowed in 1845. Oxford have won 16 of the last 17 outings, though Cambridge hold the lead in overall wins, 69 to 68, with a dead heat in 1877. Oxford, though, will look to match Cambridge's tally. Isis and Goldie, the second crews, go off at 2.45pm.

Where to watch: The Tideway is easily accessible by public transport. At the start, Putney Bridge (Waterloo BR to Putney or District Line underground to Putney Bridge) offers the best view and Fulham Park is good for picnicking Bishop's Park, on the Fulham bank, Hammersmith Bridge (Piccadilly or District to Hammersmith Bridge), Dukes Meadow, at Chiswick, Barnes Railway Bridge and Chiswick Bridge at the finish (Waterloo BR to Mortlake) all offer vantage points further upstream. The public towpath and the many public houses lining the course are also popular spots.