Race Across the World 2026: The Ultimate Travel Challenge Returns
The BBC's acclaimed travel competition, Race Across the World, makes a highly anticipated return for its sixth season tonight. This gripping series promises to be the most demanding edition yet, as five intrepid teams embark on an epic 12,000-kilometre journey from the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the remote landscapes of northern Mongolia.
A Gruelling Cross-Continental Adventure
Dubbed "the toughest journey yet" by producers, the race challenges contestants to traverse eight diverse countries without the aid of modern conveniences like smartphones or bank cards. Each team is provided only with a cash budget equivalent to the airfare for the route, amounting to less than £26 per person per day. This forces participants to rely on their wits, resilience, and interpersonal skills as they navigate from Palermo, Sicily, to the final checkpoint in Hatgal, a village on the shores of Lake Hövsgöl in Mongolia.
The route will take the teams through Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and finally Mongolia. Contestants must endure extreme climatic shifts, from Mediterranean heat soaring to 30°C to subarctic conditions plunging to –20°C. Only one pair will successfully cross the finish line to claim the coveted £20,000 prize.
How and When to Watch Season 6
Race Across the World season 6 premieres on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series consists of nine episodes, airing weekly every Thursday until the finale on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Viewers can catch up on any missed episodes via BBC iPlayer at their convenience.
Meet the 2026 Contestants
This season features five diverse teams, each with unique backgrounds and motivations for undertaking this formidable challenge.
Jo and Kush
Childhood best friends from Liverpool, Jo (19, college student) and Kush (19, gap-year student) are the youngest competitors. They joined the race during a transitional period after completing their A-Levels, seeking an adventurous experience before starting university.
Katie and Harrison
Brother and sister from Manchester, Katie (21, account manager) and Harrison (23, finance assistant) viewed the race as a rare opportunity to break from conventional life paths and embrace spontaneous travel.
Molly and Andrew
A father-daughter duo, Molly (23, junior doctor) and Andrew (54, geography teacher), applied on a whim after seeing an advertisement. They describe their participation as "a joke gone too far" that evolved into a dream adventure.
Puja and Roshni
Cousins from London, Puja (31, doctor) and Roshni (32, software engineer), are longtime fans of the show. They entered during a career hiatus, aiming to create lasting personal memories and challenge themselves beyond their professional lives.
Mark and Margo
In-laws with a 40-year history of turbulent dynamics, Mark (66, retired architect from London) and Margo (59, hypnotherapist from Liverpool), have recently reconciled. They see the race as a celebratory renewal following personal loss, embracing it as an impulsive adventure to strengthen their bond.
Building on Past Success
The previous season, Race Across the World 2025, was won by mother and son duo Caroline and Tom, who claimed the £20,000 prize after reaching the final checkpoint in Kanniyakumari. The new teams hope to emulate their success while facing even more arduous conditions and logistical hurdles.
With its blend of high-stakes competition, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking global scenery, Race Across the World season 6 is set to captivate audiences once again. Tune in to witness the ultimate test of endurance and teamwork as these ordinary people undertake an extraordinary journey.
