Race Across the World 2026: An Epic Journey Across Continents
Race Across the World returns to television screens with its most extreme edition yet, premiering in 2026. This season features five new teams embarking on a grueling 7,400-mile race from Palermo, Sicily, to the remote village of Hatgal in Mongolia. The competitors will traverse Europe and Asia, following segments of the historic Silk Road, all while navigating harsh conditions and limited budgets.
The Teams and Their Challenge
This year's lineup includes diverse pairs: best friends Jo and Kush, siblings Katie and Harrison, father and daughter Andrew and Molly, cousins Puja and Roshni, and the unlikely duo of in-laws Mark and Margo. Each team must rely on backpacks containing essential resources, as they journey through bustling cities and rural landscapes, facing extreme temperatures and logistical hurdles.
Starting Point: Palermo, Sicily
The race kicks off in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, known for its rich history and Mediterranean charm. Teams gather at the 12th-century Baroque cathedral, the Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini, where they surrender bank cards and phones. From here, they choose routes across southern Italy, passing through Naples, Sorrento, Puglia, and the Calabrian coast. Palermo's architecture reflects its diverse past, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, alongside Unesco-protected Norman palaces that blend Arab and Byzantine influences. The city's appeal extends to its climate and cuisine, featuring local favorites like arancini and pasta alla norma.
Checkpoint One: Fiskardo, Kefalonia, Greece
The first checkpoint is Fiskardo, a picturesque village on the northern tip of Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island in Greece. This upscale harbor resort attracts yachters with its turquoise waters and traditional fishing boats. Fiskardo retains original Venetian buildings from the 1500-1797 rule, offering waterfront restaurants, cafes, and bars serving local specialties. Surrounded by pebble beaches and bays, it's ideal for swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, or boat hires to secluded coves.
Checkpoint Two: Istanbul, Turkey
From the tranquility of Greece, teams race to the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, Turkey. After a 186-mile journey through rural Greece, Athens, and Mount Olympus, they arrive in this transcontinental city straddling Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul draws over 19 million tourists annually, famed for its spice bazaars, jewelry markets, and more than 3,000 mosques, including the iconic Hagia Sofia. Food enthusiasts revel in Turkish breakfasts, street vendors selling balik ekmek (fish sandwiches), and a robust coffee culture.
Checkpoint Three: Halfeti, Turkey
In this high-stakes leg, the last team to arrive faces elimination. Competitors travel from Istanbul to Halfeti on the southeastern border, a town known for its surreal submerged landscape. Following the completion of the Birecik Dam in 2000, the old town was intentionally flooded, forcing residents to relocate to New Halfeti. Visitors can explore semi-submerged houses, trees, and monuments by boat, with a prominent minaret rising from the water. The area has become a popular diving site, offering a unique glimpse into an ancient underwater city. Teams must also reach Rumkale Castle, a Byzantine-era fortress perched on a rock upstream.
Finish Line: Hatgal, Mongolia
The race concludes in Hatgal, a remote village on the shores of Lake Hövsgöl in northern Mongolia, near the Russian border. This region endures extreme weather, with winter temperatures plummeting to -49°C in January. Lake Hövsgöl, known as the Blue Pearl, is one of Earth's oldest lakes, existing for approximately two million years. Each March, a festival on its frozen surface features ice skating, horse sleigh racing, ice sumo wrestling, and Shamanic rituals honoring nature spirits, adding a cultural finale to the teams' arduous journey.
