The whole circus kicks off at Putney Bridge. That’s in southwest London, and frankly, it’s the most exciting thing that happens in Putney all year. The crews line up between the bridge and a pub called The Ship, because of course, British tradition demands a nearby pub.
Here’s a weird fact: the start line isn’t even on a straight bit of river. It’s on a gentle curve, which means the boat on the Surrey side (usually Cambridge) gets a slight advantage. For 168 years, that little bend has been a source of endless conspiracy theories and furious rowers blaming the tide.
The race doesn’t just go poof either. Before the starting gun fires, there’s a tense 15-second countdown where both crews have to hold their boats perfectly still. If you twitch, you get a warning. Imagine holding a 60-foot wooden plank steady while your arms shake and a million people watch on TV. No pressure.
The Weirdest Start Ever
In 1877, the race ended in a dead heat because the umpire fell asleep—no, really. He dozed off and couldn’t see who crossed the finish line first. The only reason they started at Putney that year was to avoid a rowdy pub brawl downriver. So yes, the starting point was chosen to prevent a riot. Very academic.
