Childhood best friends Jo (19) and Kush (19), both from Liverpool, are the youngest team in the upcoming sixth series of Race Across the World, set to air on 2 April 2026. The pair, who have just finished sixth form, will race over 12,000km across Europe and Asia, from Palermo in Sicily to Hatgal in northern Mongolia.
The route passes through Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to –20°C. Teams must survive on a budget of less than £26 per person per day, without smartphones or bank cards.
Jo, a college student, and Kush, a gap-year student, are relying on their youth and ability to connect with strangers. Jo said: 'Our strength would be our ease to speak to strangers. We don't have any issues with approaching people.' Kush added: 'Being young, we will hopefully be brushed over... and then we can secretly work in silence.'
Kush has previous backpacking experience in Thailand, while Jo is a first-time backpacker. They have prepared by watching past series, bringing a whiteboard and pens for communication, and seeking advice from family. Kush noted: 'I spoke to my Nan as she's been travelling a lot.'
Both are focused on the experience rather than winning. Jo said: 'I'm down for getting in the nitty gritty... the good experiences are going to be the best ever.' Kush agreed: 'I'm personally less bothered about the winning and here more for the experience.'
The race will test the teams physically and emotionally, with only one team claiming the £20,000 prize. The series airs on iPlayer and BBC One.
