The final episode of Race Across the World 2026 airs on Thursday 21 May at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The remaining four teams face the last leg of their epic 11,000km journey from Palermo, Sicily, to the remote village of Hatgal on the shores of Lake Hövsgöl in northern Mongolia.
The route has taken them through eight countries: Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. Conditions have ranged from 30°C Mediterranean heat to subarctic temperatures of –20°C, all on a budget of less than £26 per person per day.
The final leg is 950km long, with the first team to cross the finish line in Hatgal claiming victory and a £20,000 prize. The teams have retraced parts of the ancient Silk Road, navigating without smartphones, internet access or bank cards.
A new video podcast, Race Across the World: The Detour, hosted by broadcaster and former Celebrity Race Across the World contestant Tyler West, is available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds after each episode. The podcast also features series four winner Alfie Watts sharing travel tips and hacks.
