Tens of thousands of people are set to line the river banks today for the great boat race which will see women competing on the same day for the first time.

Female crews representing Oxford and Cambridge universities will row the four miles, 374 yards, from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge this afternoon.

It is the first time female rowers have competed on the same day in the race’s 87 year history.

Almost 300,000 people are expected to line the Thames from Putney to Mortlake to watch the race.

Equality Boat Race celebrated with Putney Exchange exhibition

The women’s race will start at 4.50pm, with the men leaving the famous University Stone by Putney Bridge at 5.50pm.

The nearest Underground station is Putney Bridge although it is expected to be extremely busy today.

Defending men’s champions Oxford University will be hoping to hold onto the title after the biggest win since 1973 at last year’s 160th boat race.

Support from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) St John Ambulance and the emergency services will help the event run smoothly throughout the day.

Earlier this month a crew from the Oxford Ladies Boat Club needed rescuing from a RNLI Lifeboat crew after their boat started to sink.

RNLI rescues Oxford Ladies rowing crew from the river at Putney

Ahead of this year's famous boat race, 250 miniature lifeboats will set sail from Barnes Bridge to Chiswick Bridge in the RNLI alternative boat race.

Your Local Guardian:

Mini-lifeboats taking part in RNLI's alternative Boat Race

Are you going to the boat race today? Send your pictures. Email Becky.middleton@london.newsquest.co.uk.