The winners of the latest series of the BBC's Race Across the World have been announced, with best friends Jo and Kush clinching victory after a tense final leg. The duo reached the final checkpoint first at Lake Khövsgöl in northern Mongolia, exclaiming "oh my God" as they crossed the finish line.
Race Across the World 2026 Winners
Five teams began the gruelling challenge, which requires contestants to travel vast distances without phones or bank cards, on a budget equivalent to the cost of a plane ticket. The teams included cousins Puja and Roshni, siblings Katie and Harrison, father and daughter Molly and Andrew, and in-laws Mark and Margo. They set off from Palermo, Italy, and travelled over 11,000km through Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, before finishing in Mongolia.
Challenging Conditions
The race featured extreme conditions, from 30°C Mediterranean heat to subarctic temperatures of –20°C, with teams surviving on less than £26 per person per day. Early leaders Katie and Harrison struggled to maintain their advantage, while cousins Puja and Roshni were eliminated after finishing last in one leg. The remaining four teams competed for the £20,000 prize.
Final Leg Drama
In the final 950km leg to Hatgal, Andrew and Molly faced tears after a wrong turn jeopardised their chances. Mark and Margo, who raced to bond after the loss of Mark's wife and Margo's sister Julia, encountered financial difficulties as their budget dwindled. Ultimately, Jo and Kush emerged victorious.
Race Across the World first aired in 2019 and has now broadcast six series, along with a celebrity spin-off. The series is available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
