Torpids is one of two bumping races held at Oxford University yearly, the other being Eights. Over 130 men's and women's crews race for their colleges in six men's divisions and five women's; almost 1200 participants in total. The racing takes place on the Isis (part of the River Thames) usually in the 7th week of Hilary term from Wednesday to Saturday (around the start of March). Bumps racing evolved in Oxford as the river is too narrow for normal side by side racing. This led to racing in wh… (More on Torpids)