The coming weekend brings the biggest Varsity clash of the year—the renowned Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race. A few miles away at Spitalfields City Farm, however, a different type of competition will be kicking off.

Two feisty goats, one representing Oxford and the other Cambridge, will go head-to-head in the Oxford vs. Cambridge Goat Race to raise money for the Spitalfields City Farm Charity.

A spokeswoman from Spitalfields City Farm told Varsity that the event made “a huge difference” both financially and in raising the profile of the farm, which is tucked away at the back of Brick Lane, in the East End of London.

The proceeds from the race help to feed the animals, an expense for which the farm struggles to get funding.

An annual event, now in its second year, the Goat Race is supported by Delamere Dairy, the UK’s leading goats’ milk dairy. Delamere has promised to sponsor the winning goat.

According to Liz Sutton, Managing Director at Delamere, “We’re really excited to be involved in a fun event that helps raise awareness for a brilliant farm charity that values the importance of animal welfare.”

Last year, the Goat Race saw Cambridge, represented by a pygmy goat, storm home to victory in front of a roaring crowd of over 400 people.

This year’s competition will be even fiercer since the two goats involved—Bentley (Oxford) and Bramble (Cambridge)—are twins. Bentley and Bramble’s long-held sibling rivalry has been called “a compelling psychodrama” by Spitalfields Life, a blog about life in the East End neighbourhood.

Helen Galland, Farm Animal Manager at Spitalfields, gave Varsity an update on Bentley’s pre-race progress. “Bentley had a bit of tummy problems but has made a full recovery and is hoping to be back in shape for the weekend. He lost last year so now there is a lot of honour at stake to try and make up, especially as he doesn’t want to be beaten by a girl.”

Visitors will be able to place a bet at the Goat Race’s official bookie, enjoy the tunes of DJ Pigsnoots, take part in a goatee knitting competition, and get the chance to buy goat’s milk Easter Eggs all before the race begins.

Delamere will be donating a hamper of goat goodies to be won at raffle. The dairy are also offering free vouchers to try their goats’ milk, which reportedly carries many health and nutritional benefits.

Caroline Horton, spokeswoman for Delamere, told Varsity that they are “hoping to raise awareness of the health benefits of goats’ milk”, a common alternative for the one in six who suffer from a cow dairy allergy.

She added that the Goat Race “is one of many fun events” that the dairy, now in its twenty-fifth year, is involved in to celebrate their anniversary.

The event costs £3 to attend. More information can be found at http://www.thegoatrace.org/