Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger CBE has confirmed she will be back in Scotland this Saturday as starter and umpire for the 136th Glasgow-Edinburgh University Boat Race.

The British rowing legend, also a three time Olympic silver medallist and six-time World Champion, is to officiate the 1st VIII female and male races between the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh on the River Clyde.Katherine Granger CBE

This year’s event takes place on a new stretch of the river through the heart of Glasgow with six races being contested between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Speaking ahead of the event, Katherine said: “I can't wait to be back in Glasgow for the University Boat Race - I've competed in it as an undergraduate and also as a graduate so it is lovely to be back supporting it from the banks this time.

“It's a fantastic event and as a graduate of both the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow I look forward to seeing great battles on the water.”

Now in its 136th year, the second oldest such contest in the world behind Oxford v Cambridge, organisers including river-operator Clydeport have created a new, higher profile finish line at the Riverside Museum in an attempt to generate added interest.

Setting off at Broomielaw Quay, the teams will pass under four of the city’s famous bridges which cross the Clyde, cheered on by spectators lining the route.

Each team consists of eight rowers and a cox, who sits on the stern facing the bow steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers.

Six races will be competed throughout the afternoon, with a graduate male and female 500m race at 12.30pm followed by the Reserve VIII race. The main events, the 1st VIII female and male races will set off at 1.25pm and 1.30pm.

Boat clubs from the University of Glasgow and Edinburgh have announced their squads for Saturday’s highly anticipated contests.

Sally Griffiths University of Glasgow Boat Club Captain said: “All of the team have been working hard in preparation for the big day. The change of route is something we’ve had to take into consideration but hopefully plenty of supporters will come out to cheer us on. Everyone is really looking forward to this year’s event and hopefully all of our training will pay off.”

Andrew Crowe, University of Edinburgh Boat Club Captain said: "This is definitely the biggest race there is for the boat club, and having Katherine Grainger along to the event is something the entire squad is excited about. She is a really inspirational athlete and it will definitely encourage us to increase the performance on the day, eager to impress one of the UK’s most successful rowers. With the countdown now well and truly underway, we're hoping for wins across the afternoon as well as good turnout from the public."

For more information about the Glasgow - Edinburgh Boat Race please visit:

First published: 21 May 2013

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