The Harvard–Yale Regatta or Harvard-Yale Boat Race (often abbreviated The Race) is an annual rowing race between the men's heavyweight rowing crews of Yale University and Harvard University. First contested in 1852, it has been held annually since 1859 except during major wars fought by the United States. The Race is America's oldest collegiate athletic competition, pre-dating The Game by 23 years. It is sometimes referred to as the "Yale-Harvard" regatta, though most official regatta programs brand it as "Harvard-Yale."