Race Across the World is set for its high-stakes finale tonight (Thursday 21st May), as the remaining teams make a final push across Mongolia. Among them are in-laws Mark and Margo, who have battled through a difficult penultimate leg and are now determined to reach the finish line.
Retired architect Mark, 66, and hypnotherapist Margo, 59, share a unique bond forged through tragedy. They first met decades ago when Mark married Margo's sister Julie, who passed away in 2022. Signing up for the race was Julie's dying wish, and the experience has brought them closer than ever. 'We've become good friends,' Mark said. 'It's changed our relationship considerably.'
The pair faced their biggest challenge in leg seven, falling behind and fearing their chances of winning were slipping away. 'When we realised we'd fallen behind this last leg, we were devastated,' Margo said. 'We feel sad, and heavy, and we just want to be able to finish the race, but we know it's going to cost us money which we don't have lots of.'
Despite the setbacks, they remain determined. Mark noted that the adversities of leg seven became 'quite a big turning point' in their friendship. 'We worked really hard together and when we were low, Margo had some extra energy and joy to raise us up,' he said. Margo added that their bond is now 'a deep friendship that respects, appreciates and celebrates the differences.'
As for winning, Margo said it would be 'an absolute crowning glory and icing on the cake.' Mark added: 'I think we will be shocked if we win, but we would like to show that age is not a barrier for things like this.' Race Across the World continues on Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
