The starting gun fires on a new epic journey.Race Across The Worldreturns, pitting five determined pairs against a breathtakingly ambitious challenge: a 12,000km race from the sun-drenched shores of Palermo, Italy, to the remote, windswept Mongolian Steppe.
This isn’t a race for the privileged. Each team is armed with only £23 per day and stripped of the modern conveniences we rely on – crucially, no smartphones. Success demands resourcefulness, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown as they navigate eight countries and the legendary Silk Road.
Among the contenders are familiar dynamics: siblings, best friends, and parent-child teams, all tested to their limits. But this series introduces a first – in-laws, Mark and Margo, embarking on a journey to mend fractured bonds and honor a final wish.
Their story is particularly poignant. Years of strained relations, of perceived judgment and boredom, dissolved in the face of a shared grief. Julia, Mark’s wife and Margo’s sister, desperately wanted them to connect before her passing. Now, driven by her memory, they’re facing the ultimate test of their newfound understanding.
Doctor Puja and software engineer Roshni, cousins united by family and recent celebrations, bring a different energy to the race. Newly married and with Roshni house-hunting, they seized the opportunity for a three-month adventure, a chance to deepen their already strong connection.
Sibling rivalry takes center stage with Katie and Harrison. Harrison, the instigator, had to convince a hesitant Katie to join him. Her initial fear wasn’t the grueling travel, but the glare of the cameras. Yet, the shared experience ultimately forged a stronger bond, replacing playful teasing with unwavering support.
Geography teacher Andrew and his daughter, junior doctor Molly, approached the challenge with a clear strategy. Recognizing their differing strengths – Andrew connecting with older generations, Molly with the young – they embraced a philosophy of mutual trust and immediate decision-making, eliminating blame and fostering courage.
Finally, nineteen-year-old best friends Kush and Jo, spurred by an Instagram ad and a “nothing to lose” attitude, are determined to claim victory. They acknowledge the difficulty of disconnecting from family, but find themselves consumed by the demands of the race, their friendship a powerful foundation for success.
The landscape will be as much an opponent as the other teams. From the ancient ruins of Greece and the bustling markets of Türkiye, to the vast steppes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, each leg of the journey presents unique obstacles and unforgettable encounters. This is more than a race; it’s a test of human spirit, a journey of self-discovery, and a testament to the power of connection.
The adventure begins on April 2nd.
