Side-by-side racing is not possible over a long distance on the narrow and winding River Cam, so the bumps format was introduced in the early 19th century as an exciting alternative. In bumping races, crews line up along the river with one and a half boat lengths of clear water between them. On the start signal (the firing of a cannon) they chase each other up the river. When a bump occurs (when one crew is hit by it's chasing crew), they pull over to allow the other crews to continue racing. The next day all crews involved in a bump swap places and the race is run again. After the four days of racing, the aim of the top crews is to be at the "head of the river," i.e. they lead the first division. Lower crews cannot expect to achieve this, but can win their "blades" by bumping up every day.

The Lent Bumps

The Lent Bumps are split into seven divisions (four for men, three for women) of 17 boats. The top boat of each division (apart from the top division) races at the bottom of the next division, and so a continuous chart can be drawn mapping the progress of all crews. Since the races are run during term time, the races are run over five days with each division taking one day off to allow all the races to run (see the table below). For more information on bumps racing, including where to watch and how to get there, see 1st& 3rd's excellent guide.

The May Bumps

The Mays are split into ten divisions (5 1/2 for men, 4 1/2 for women) of 17 boats. The top boat of each division (apart from the top division) races at the bottom of the next division, and so a continuous chart can be drawn mapping the progress of all crews. Since the races are run during term time, the races are run over four days (see the table below for division times).

Bumps Programmes

Bumps Programmes are available to purchase from Porters' Lodges and the CUCBC Control Desk during Bumps. The programmes detail the course, race times, crew lists and start order.

CUR1350

CUR1350 provide live commentary for much of the Bumps, and have a frequently updated Bumps mini-site.

They are also providing podcasts of the race commentaries, available for download in mp3 format.