Event of 1899: The rowing crew of Cambridge University wins the annual boat race against Oxford
- When
- 1899
- Where
- Championship Course on the River Thames
- Episodes
- 1
The 56th Boat Race occurred on 25 March 1899, featuring a side-by-side rowing competition between Oxford and Cambridge crews on the River Thames. Cambridge secured victory by 3¼ lengths in 21 minutes 4 seconds, marking their first win in a decade. Oxford entered as reigning champions, having won nine consecutive races from 1890 to 1898.
Episodes
Background and detail
Background. The Boat Race is an annual side-by-side rowing competition between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Since 1845, the event has been held on the 4.2-mile Championship Course on the River Thames in southwest London. Oxford entered the 1899 race as reigning champions, having won the previous nine races consecutively from 1890 to 1898.
Competition. Cambridge won the 56th Boat Race, achieving their first success in a decade. The victory margin was 3¼ lengths, with a finishing time of 21 minutes 4 seconds. Frank Willan served as the umpire for the tenth consecutive year, having previously rowed for Oxford in four consecutive races between 1866 and 1869.
People involved
- Frank Willan · Umpire
- University of Cambridge · Winning Crew
- University of Oxford · Reigning Champions
Sources
- The Boat Race 1899 Wikipedia, revision of 2026-01-19
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