The course is 4 1/4 miles from Putney to Mortlake. The race is for heavyweight eights (i.e. for eight rowers with a cox steering, and no restrictions on weight). The race is timed so that the rowers row against the tide. The first race was held at Henley-on-Thames in 1829. The first race on the current course was in 1845. The tradition was started by Charles Merivale, a student at Cambridge, and his schoolfriend Charles Wordsworth who was at Oxford. Cambridge challenged Oxford to a race, and the challenge was repeated the next year. The tradition continues, with the loser challenging the winner to a re-match annually.

Although the heavyweight mens eights are the main draw, the two universities compete in other rowing boat races. The main boat race is preceded by a race beween the two reserve crews, (called "Isis" for Oxford and "Goldie" for Cambridge). Women's eights, women's reserve eights and mens and women's lightweight eights also race at Henley on a different day.

Only in one year was there a draw.

"I can't see who's in the lead but it's either Oxford or Cambridge." -John Snagge (BBC radio commentator).

Because of this event, boat race has become rhyming slang for face.

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