Like jousters in medieval times, the two teams line up on opposite ends of a big field facing each other. A cannon booms and they're off, racing toward each other for 50 meters. As the gap closes, they turn into a chute lined with spectators and are off for the course. After 4300 meters, they are back on the starting plain for a 200 meter circle to the finish chute, a long narrow tunnel of fans shouting and ringing bells.

photos by John Dye

1 - Cannon shot signals the start 

2 - Washington boys from the right

3 - Oregon boys from the left 

4 - the battle is joined 

5 - heading for the course 

6 - through the campus