Newcastle University

Rowers from Newcastle and Durham University Boat Clubs are preparing to go head to head in the 2009 University Boat Race. This year's events take place on the Tyne on Saturday 9 May, with races between the University freshmen's and freshwomen's eights, and men's and women's first (senior) eights being battled out over a challenging 1,800 metre course.

The event also includes a schools' race, between composite crews from schools in Northumberland, Newcastle and Durham. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the rejuvenated Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides and the Tyne's iconic bridges, this hugely popular annual battle for rowing supremacy has captured the imagination of the sports-mad North East. With city as well as University pride at stake, the competition is set to be as fierce as ever, providing an exciting spectacle as the crews race full tilt for the finish line under the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

With entertainment on the Quayside as well as on the water, there is plenty to see and do, so come along, cheer on the rowers, and join in this annual celebration of sporting talent in our very own University Boat Race on the Tyne!

Provisional River Schedule

• 3.30pm Dragon Boat Race 1
• 3.45pm Dragon Boat Race 2
• 4:30pm Schools' Mixed Eights
• 4:50pm Freshwomen's Eights
• 5:10pm Freshmen's Eights
• 5:30pm Women's First Eights
• 5:50pm Men's First Eights
• 6:15pm Presentations
• 6.30pm Duck Race (Port of Tyne)
  

Quayside entertainment in Baltic Square includes performances by Newcastle University Cheerleaders, Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery Band and Gateshead Street Cheer, a corporate Ergo (rowing machine) challenge event and stalls featuring the Army, Relay for Life and Dragon Boat Racing - as well as a chance to ‘Come and Have a Go’ on an ergo machine from 5.00 pm.

The University Boat Race is supported by Northumbrian Water Limited, Port of Tyne, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University, Durham University, The Journal, Environment Agency, Volker Stevin, HMS Calliope, Cancer Research UK, The Army.