The Cross-Channel Varsity Relay competition was founded in 1998 by Nick Thomas and Martin Davies to raise awareness of the new pool appeal at Iffley Road and has been running biennially ever since.
Each university team of 6 swimmers (three men and three women) swim in one hour stints until they have crossed the channel, from Dover, England, to Calais, France. Due to variation in coastline of France and sea currents, any difference in time under two minutes is counted as a draw.
In Summer 2023, the varsity channel relay will be taking place for the 13th time in history. However we are counting on your generosity and kind support to help make this happen. Please click here to find our fundraising page. Donations of any amount are hugely appreciated and will help us to cover the substantial costs associated with the running of this varsity tradition, which offers an incredible opportunity to our swimmers!
You can read about last year’s Cross-Channel Varsity Relay team here and, for more information, visit the Poseidon club website.
Results
Oxford: 8
Cambridge: 3
Draw: 2
| YEAR | WINNER | OXFORD TIME | CAMBRIDGE TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Oxford | 9:03* | 9:48 |
| 2021 | Oxford | 9:13* | 9:58 |
| 2018 | Oxford | 9:56 | DNS |
| 2016 | Oxford | 8:54 | 9:28 |
| 2014 | Draw | 9:02 | 9:00 |
| 2012 | Oxford | 8:45* | DNF |
| 2010 | Cambridge | 9:03 | 8:51* |
| 2008 | Oxford | 10:00 | 10:20 |
| 2006 | Cambridge | 10:48 | 10:22 |
| 2004 | Cambridge | 9:13 | 8:49* |
| 2002 | Oxford | 9:07* | 9:19 |
| 2000 | Oxford | 8:18* | 8:25 |
| 1998 | Draw | 9:24* | 9:24* |
*-denotes fastest channel relay of the year
