In August, it was closed to pedestrians and cyclists, and river traffic beneath it was banned, due to a sudden increase in the size of the fractures. This poses the risk that the bridge could suddenly collapse, according to Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the local authority that owns it. The men's race has previously been run once at Ely, in 1944, when it could not take place in London because of the war. The first Boat Race took place in 1829, making it one of the world's oldest sporting events. The 2020 men's and women's races, which had been due to take place on March 29, were cancelled due to COVID.

Source: bd News24 November 26, 2020 12:45 UTC