New “Race Across The World” Series Challenges Relationships on Global Trek to Mongolia
BBC One returns with the sixth series of Race Across The World. Five civilian pairs will travel roughly 12,000km from Palermo to Hatgal on Lake Hovsgol.
Route, rules and prize
The route crosses eight countries: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. Contestants face a strict rule set. They cannot use mobile phones, flights, luxury hotels, or bank cards. Each racer must live on under £26 per person, per day. The first team to reach the finish wins a £20,000 cash prize.
Teams taking part
Five pairs compete. They range in age and background. Each partnership will be tested by travel logistics and interpersonal strain.
- Mark and Margo: In-laws who cared for Mark’s wife, Julia, before her death.
- Andrew and Molly: A 54-year-old geography teacher and his 23-year-old daughter.
- Puja and Roshni: London-based cousins; Puja works in medicine and Roshni in software engineering.
- Katie and Harrison: Siblings from Manchester; Katie is an account manager, Harrison a finance assistant.
- Jo and Kush: Childhood friends from Liverpool; Jo is a college student and Kush is a musician.
Mark and Margo: a fraught family bond
Mark is 66 and a retired London architect. Margo is 59 and a hypnotherapist based in Liverpool. They had a difficult in-law relationship for decades, before uniting while caring for Julia.
The race forced them to spend continuous time together. Their connection softened as practical teamwork replaced old tensions.
Father and daughter dynamic
Andrew and Molly found the expedition demanding on their bond. Molly, a junior doctor, had to take decisive roles at times. Andrew learned to accept choices made under pressure.
Cousins reunited
Puja, 31, initially doubted Roshni would join. Roshni, 32, changed her mind after a spur-of-the-moment call and encouragement from her husband. The pair shared childhood ties and tested those bonds on the road.
Siblings on camera
Katie and Harrison worried about being judged on screen. They soon said the cameras became background noise. Practical challenges quickly overtook concerns about on-screen portrayal.
Best friends from Liverpool
Jo and Kush handled the filming pressure differently. Jo found the cameras odd but manageable. Kush, used to performing, welcomed the experience.
Show launch and coverage
The new series blends travel with personal drama. It poses logistical and emotional challenges across a global trek to Mongolia. Filmogaz.com notes the programme premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, April 2.
