Two Cities Boat Race 2008

Latest news

Manchester turns up heat at Boat Race

2008 Boat Race results

 

Dragon Boat Racing -

Reluctant Dragons

 

Mixed Alumni -

Manchester

 

Womens Single -

Salford

 

Mens Single -

Manchester

 

Womens Novice -

Manchester

 

Mens Novice -

Manchester

 

Womens Senior -

Manchester

 

Mens Senior VIII-

Manchester

Once again thousands of spectators lined the sunny banks of the Quays to cheer on the rowers taking part in the Two Cities Boat Race.

It was Manchester who got off to a flying start (thanks to the help of a Lancaster Bomber that performed a fly past especially to mark the event) and eventually won six out of the seven races, including the Men's Senior VIII.

Of course there were other winners on the day as well. A team called Reluctant Dragons, made up of students from Salford University's Arts, Media and Social Sciences faculty won the final of the Dragon Boat Racing, a race that involved staff and students of both universities, as well as local businesses, all raising money for charity. View the final results here.

The day, once again, was a great success. Thank you to all those who organised and took part in the event, we look forward to seeing you all again next year!

View pictures of this year's event in the gallery.

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.

Rowing Rivals Get Stuck In With Pre-Race Acupuncture

Old rivals from Salford University and The University of Manchester rowing teams have been receiving complementary therapies including acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy massage to enhance their training ahead of the Two Cities Boat Race on May 10th at Salford Quays.

The historic race is fiercely competitive with both teams turning to treatments at Salford University's Complementary and Alternative Therapy Clinic to ensure they are in top health for the tough day of competition next month.

Mae Xing, acupuncture practitioner said: "The rowers have received treatments to help them relax as well as pain relief for aching muscles. The acupuncture will help them to become more focussed on winning without becoming stressed or anxious."

As runners-up last time, Salford has more to prove this year. Captain of Salford University Women's Rowing team, Hannah Cumming said: "It's great that we have been able to use such expert treatments, it has made me even more determined to win this year."

"I have actually had acupuncture before and it really does work. It's not painful, in fact it is really relaxing," added Veronica Wood, President of Manchester University Rowing club.

Visiting the clinic has proved a popular way to relax amidst the teams' training schedule which has become tougher with only one month until race day. "Coming to the clinic is really relaxing. Having acupuncture has helped me as I pulled a muscle in my shoulder two weeks ago, it now feels much better", said Hannah.

The two universities will be battling it out from 2.30pm on Saturday 10 May, with dragon boat racing to take part from 10.30am for staff, students and the public.

Download past press releases

Images of last year's event

(Images of 2008 coming soon)

 

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.