The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race 2013

The Boat Race is a rowing competition between students of Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the two most prestigious British Universities. It is known also as 'The University Boat Race', 'The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race' and more recently, 'The Xchanging Boat Race', and it is the main university rowing event in Great Britain.

The first race took place in 1829 and was initiated by the then student at Cambridge's St. John's College Charles Merivale. The World Wars have been till the day the only reason to suspend the race.

Each boat carries eight rowers, who have to cover a distance of 4.2 miles (6.8 km) of the river Thames, in West London.

Statistics suggest almost a tie between the two teams: until 2012, Cambridge won 81 times and Oxford 76. The race has seen also some drama, especially after 2000. In 2012, the race had to stop because of a swimmer who approached the boats and later due to a broken oar, while a rower from Oxford had to be brought to the hospital after the end of the race for medical assistance.