Two Cities Boat Race 2009

Latest news

Tense Finale Sees Manchester Win Boat Race

2009 Boat Race results

 

Mixed Alumni -

Salford

 

Mens Single -

Manchester

 

Womens Novice -

Manchester

 

Mens Novice -

Manchester

 

Womens Senior -

Salford

 

Mens Senior VIII-

Manchester

The University of Manchester came out on top in the 38th annual Two Cities Boat Race held at Salford Quays on Saturday.

The six-race regatta was watched by around 3000 spectators, with Manchester running out 4-2 winners against its rivals from Salford University.

Salford got off to the perfect start by winning the Mixed Alumni VIII, but Manchester roared back, taking the Men's Single Scull, Women's Novice and Men's Novice races. But just as Manchester was threatening to run away it, Salford snatched a shock victory in the Women's Senior VIII, crossing the finish line just three quarters of a length ahead of their more fancied Manchester rivals.

It was the shock of the day, and set up a grandstand finish to the regatta, but Manchester held their nerve and the Men's Senior VIII stormed across the line to secure Manchester's 4-2 victory, in very difficult conditions.

Race spokesman Jon Keighren said: "It was really tough out there for the rowers, with a strong head wind making life difficult for all the competitors. But the standard was incredibly high and this will go down as one of the most competitive years ever. We were also delighted to see so many people from the city of Salford come out to support us, despite the late change of date for this year’s race."

Roared on by cheerleaders from both universities, the crews were later presented with their medals and the trophy by the Registrars from both Salford and Manchester, Adrian Graves and Albert McMenemy.

The event had to be brought forward by 24 hours after this year's Manchester derby at Old Trafford was switched to 10 May, the original advertised date for the Two Cities Boat Race.

Download the 2009 TCBR programme!

This year's Two Cities Boat Race programme is available to download now.

The programme features all the information you need to know about the Universities' most competitive race, including the schedule of the day and details of the crew for all 6 races.

Download it here now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

New date for University Boat Race

This year's Two Cities Boat Race between the Universities of Manchester and Salford has been brought forward by 24 hours to Saturday 9 May.

The decision was taken after the Manchester derby match between United and City at Old Trafford was switched to 10 May for live TV coverage, thereby clashing with the annual rowing regatta at neighbouring Salford Quays.

Having consulted with participants, volunteers, police, suppliers and senior authorities in both universities, it was agreed that it would be inadvisable to proceed with the event on the original date due to safety and security concerns.

This year's race will now be held on the afternoon of Saturday 9 May from 2pm. Unfortunately, this means that the Dragon Boat Races, which normally take place prior to the eight-race regatta, will not be running this year. However, the competitive races between Manchester and Salford will proceed in their usual format and all spectators are welcome to come along and enjoy this free event, now in its 38th year.

For further information contact:

Jon Keighren, The University of Manchester, 0161 275 8384

Jamie Brown, The University of Salford, 0161 295 5361

 

Diane Modahl Launches 2009 Two Cities Boat Race

Former Olympic athlete Diane Modahl visited Salford Quays this week to officially launch the 2009 Two Cities Boat Race, which takes place on Sunday 10th May.

Rowers from the Universities of Manchester and Salford joined Diane on the quayside on Wednesday (11th March) to discuss the art of rowing and share sporting knowledge before launching their boats onto the water to mark this year's rowing event.

Speaking at the launch, Manchester born Diane said: "It's wonderful to spend time with such committed young athletes. The students are really determined and dedicated to their sport, so it's definitely going to be a nail biting event this year. I'll be there cheering them on!"

Money raised during the 2009 race will be donated to SPARKS, the children's medical research charity. On Wednesday, Diane presented SPARKS representatives with a £4k cheque raised during last year's race. A family which has benefited from the charity's funding was also present at the launch, parents Heidi and James Ribchester and their fourteen-week-old baby daughter Chloe.

Heidi, who was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy, said: "I would like to say a massive thank you to SPARKS for their funding of past and future research into pre-eclampsia because any help or information we can gain from research can only go to help the care and treatment of any future cases. I would also like to thank St Mary's Hospital for all of their efforts and care of Chloe, especially on the neonatal unit, and special thanks also to the team at Ormskirk who were so great with us both.

As a midwife, I deal with women who have suffered, or are suffering, from pre-eclampsia and it is very different to be in that situation yourself. It is a very scary and distressing time worrying about your own health and that of your baby. I had no symptoms except a slightly puffy face and it was thanks to my friend who is also a midwife that it was diagnosed so quickly."

Chloe's father James added: "Chloe was twelve weeks premature because Heidi suffered from pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy. Knowing that there is such great research work going on behind the scenes brings a lot of peace to parents like us. The SPARKS research team are doing a great job. It's a very worthwhile cause and I'm delighted that the Two Cities Boat Race is supporting the charity again this year."

The rowers are now in full training for the event in May, which involves a combination of rigorous land training, weight training and regular water sessions.

The crews will compete along the traditional River Irwell course, which starts at Sam Platts Pub and finishes at the Lowry Bridge.The event is now recognised as one of the top events in the region's sporting calendar and hundreds of spectators are expected to line Salford quays to watch the fiercely contested spectacle.

The Universities of Manchester and Salford are challenging local businesses to do battle in the fast and furious dragon boat contest during the morning of the Two Cities Boat Race. Organisers are appealing to North West companies to enter 17-person teams, with money from the event being donated to SPARKS and the two university boat clubs.

It's a fun day for everybody, providing a festive atmosphere along the quayside with food, drink and live entertainment throughout the day. Admission is free.

Keep visiting the site to stay up to date with this year's activities!

Download past press releases

Last year's news

Actor Robert Powell To Attend The Two Cities Boat Race

Jesus of Nazareth and Holby City star Robert Powell will return to his birthplace on Saturday 10th May as a VIP guest at this year's 37th Two Cities Boat Race.

The distinguished Salford-born actor has supported the boat race over the past couple of years, and the involvement of official charity SPARKS, of which he is Vice President.

Robert Powell said: "I'm looking forward to attending the big race on the day itself this year, but I'm keeping it secret which of my home city universities I'll be cheering for. Let's just say that I hope the best crew on the day pull it off, that the weather isn't too rough and that there's a huge crowd to enjoy the fun and raise as much money as possible for SPARKS' medical research mission. I'm also delighted that the very important research project into pre-eclampisa that SPARKS is funding in Manchester is making significant progress."

The Two Cities Boat Race will see both university rowing clubs going head to head along the River Irwell on Saturday 10th May 2008 - with thousands of spectators lining the banks of Salford Quays to watch the fiercely contested races.

A graduate of The University of Manchester and an honorary graduate of the University of Salford, Robert Powell also spoke of his pleasure at supporting both institutions, as well as the official charity: "I have close links with both universities and SPARKS is a charity that is extremely important to me. The money raised will make an invaluable contribution to medical research, helping give children the best start in life. I am delighted to be part of this fantastic event."

Admission to the Two Cities Boat Race is free.

Get involved, join the fun!

Volunteer at the Two Cities Boat Race

View video highlights of last years event:

High quality video (intranet only)

High quality video

Low quality video

iPod video (right click)

The Two Cities Boat Race is a great day out and attracts around 3,000 spectators every year. Managing such a large event takes time and commitment from a lot of people; most of them volunteers.

If you would like to get involved (it really is great fun!), there are many opportunities in both the build up and on the day. For more information on volunteering at the Two Cities Boat Race click here

Sponsorship

There are many opportunities to support the Two Cities Boat Race including sponsorship, advertising and corporate hospitality packages. Have a look at the sponsorship page for more information.