The Boat Race Company has today confirmed a renewal of its partnership with Graduate by Hilton, a hand-crafted collection of hotels residing in dynamic university-anchored towns across the U.K. and U.S.
Graduate Hotels – acquired by Hilton in 2024 – will serve as the Official Hotel Partner and Official Supporter of The Boat Race, with the latest instalment of one of the world’s most famous annual sporting events taking place on Sunday April 13th.
The Boat Race 2025 renews an intense rivalry between Oxford University Boat Club and Cambridge University Boat Club which stretches back nearly 200 years.
As part of the partnership, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton will host crew team dinners for the two universities.
Meanwhile, Graduate by Hilton will continue to drive awareness of The Boat Race through branding and visibility, digital marketing and hotel events.
In addition to earning Points, Hilton Honors members gain access to exclusive, money-can’t-buy moments through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. Now through 28th March, members can bid points for a chance to be at the helm of race day excitement. Graduate by Hilton is offering an unmatched view of all the action with tickets to an exclusive watch party. The Hilton Honors Experience for two (2) includes: access for two (2) to the VIP Boat Race Hospitality at Thames Rowing Club on Sunday 13th April, and one (1) Be My Guest Certificate, valid for a one-night stay in a standard room at any Hilton property. Whether staying at a Graduate by Hilton hotel in Oxford or Cambridge, or a London getaway for race day, this is an unrivaled opportunity to catch every stroke of the action from the best seat in the house. Please note that the package does not include rail, airfare, or hotel accommodations.
Paris 2024 Olympians will be in action for both universities. Heidi Long, Team GB bronze medallist, has been trialling for the Dark Blues, as have New Zealander Tom Mackintosh and Italy’s Nicholas Kohl. For the Light Blues, Claire Collins (USA), Samantha Morton (Australia) and Nick Rusher (USA) will hope to take their places on the start line.
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, added: “The ongoing partnership between The Boat Race and Graduate will continue to create memorable moments for the crews, fans, and spectators. Working together, we can bring The Boat Race to new audiences as part of a destination event in beautiful London, so everyone can enjoy London’s Party by the River. The new Hilton Honors Experience is perfectly suited for anyone looking to enjoy a weekend in London whilst The Boat Race is on.”
Parker Henderson, Brand Leader of Graduate by Hilton, commented: “At Graduate by Hilton, we take pride in celebrating deep-rooted university traditions, and The Boat Race embodies that. This year, our exclusive Hilton Honors Experience will offer a front-row seat to the legendary event, bringing together athletes, alums, and fans to soak up the vibrant race day energy.”
Providing free access to watch the races unfold on the River Thames, The Boat Race is regularly attended by over 200,000 spectators on the riverbank and watched by millions more on television.
For more information about The Boat Race 2025, visit www.theboatrace.org/
For all The Boat Race 2025 media enquiries please contact:
The PHA Group – [email protected]
About The Boat Race
The Boat Race was first raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829 and is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, offering an unrivalled educational experience to the student athletes who take part.
The world-famous sporting event between the UK’s two greatest universities has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence. The Boat Race has established itself as the epitome of amateur sport, raced by student athletes who combine academic rigour with elite physical prowess. There is no greater occasion.
The Boat Race takes place in London on the famous Championship Course that stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake. https://www.theboatrace.org/
About Graduate by Hilton
Graduate by Hilton is a collection of hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored towns in the United States and United Kingdom. Each hotel brings stories and traditions to life through one-of-a-kind experiences, which authentically reflect the unique spirit of each community they are located within. Founded in 2014 by Adventurous Journeys (“AJ”) Capital Partners and acquired by Hilton in 2024, Graduate’s portfolio consists of 34 open hotels across the US and UK. Learn more about Graduate by Hilton at Stories From Hilton and follow the brand on Instagram.