More than 60 young rowers will square up this Saturday 5 April along the same stretch of the Thames as the Oxford v Cambridge boat races.
Eight mixed crews from ten local schools will set off for time trials at 3.30pm and then side-by-side races at 5pm.
The event has doubled in size from last year and will include students from Hammersmith Academy, Sacred Heart High School, Fulham Cross Girls School, Chelsea Academy, West London Free School and Lady Margaret School.
Hammersmith & Fulham's Mayor, Cllr Patricia Quigley, will present the medals on the day.
You can cheer on the crews from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge.
If you miss the live action, the BBC will show a segment about the event during the Boat Race coverage a week later on Saturday 13 April.
Officiated by Boat Race umpires, Sarah Winkless and Ciaran Hayes, the competition will include rowers from Fulham Reach Boat Club, Mossbourne Academy, London Youth Rowing and Barn Elms.
Rowing for all
The Youth Boat Race aims to provide an opportunity for young rowers from the local community to become part of one of the most historic and high-profile sporting events in the world. It's a joint initiative between Fulham Reach Boat Club and The Boat Race Fund.
Fulham Reach Boat Club, based at Distillery Wharf, off Chancellor's Road in Fulham, has been at the heart of youth rowing in the area for a decade. The club is committed to making the sport more accessible.
Chief executive, Adam Freeman-Pask, explained: "We've seen firsthand the incredible impact this race has on young people. Being part of an event like The Boat Race is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we are proud to provide this platform for aspiring rowers."
Jonny Searle MBE, who chairs the Oxford and Cambridge Rowing Foundation, said: "Seeing the passion, teamwork, and commitment of the rowers is truly inspiring".
Erin Kennedy OBE, Paralympic Champion and Trustee of the Oxford and Cambridge Rowing Foundation added: "The Youth Boat Race is a wonderful opportunity for young talent to demonstrate their tenacity and teamwork by competing on The Boat Race's iconic stretch whilst also bringing together the local community."
Oxford v Cambridge boat races
The Boat Race is on Saturday 13 April. There will be two family-friendly fan parks from 11am to 5pm in:
- Fulham Football Club's Riverside Stand and in Bishops Park, Fulham
- Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith
The Women's race starts at 1.21pm, with the Men's at 2.21pm.
Check out our guide to watching the races in H&F, home of the longest section of the course, here.
