Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race

Dating from 1829, this university boat race is billed as "the world's longest surviving sporting challenge". Competitors row a gruelling four-and-a-quarter-miles along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake, often against waves and bitter winds, in their quest for the coveted title.Despite being three times the length of an Olympic course, the entire event is over in just 20 minutes, a fact which should not overshadow the six months of sweat and toil which the teams endure in preparation for the big day.

There are plenty of river vantage points for spectators, many of them conveniently close to pubs. A top-hat at a rakish angle and a half-empty bottle of expensive champagne might help you wheedle your way into some of the more glamorous riverside parties that accompany this event.