Race Across the World is coming back for its fifth season, so pack your bags, grab your maps and get ready to race.
BBC’s addictive reality show sees five pairs of friends or family members racing from checkpoint to checkpoint across the globe with nothing but a map, a backpack and the fare for one flight from the starting point to the ending point of the race — in cash.
After last year’s Celebrity version, the show is finally coming back to our screens, and we can’t wait for the dramatic race and even more thrilling lessons we’ll all learn on the way.
Here’s everything we know so far.
Where is Race Across the World season 5?
This year’s race kicks off at the Great Wall of China and will see the five teams making their way through three of Asia’s nations: China, Nepal and India. The race will take them across more than 14,000km to reach the finish line at Kanniyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
Who are the teams in Race Across the World season 5
This year, the five teams are:
Elizabeth and Letitia
Sisters Elizabeth, 33, and Letitia, 26, are embarking on their first trip together. The episode description reads: “A seven-year age gap and ten years living in different countries mean the sisters aren’t as close as they once were. Their plan: to use their experience and language skills to advance their race by garnering travel tips from locals and staying in rural homestays.”
Yin and Gaz
“Headstrong Yin and pragmatic Gaz” are both 54 and are a formerly married couple. The pair once ran a Chinese takeout restaurant together. “A tricky start puts their determination to the test, before a stroll through a marriage market in Shanghai leads them to reflect on their relationship,” the description reads.
Brian and Melvyn
Brian, 62, is a retired financial advisor, while his brother, Melvyn, 65, is a driving instructot. The pair joined the race hoping to reconnect. “Despite completely contrasting lifestyles, and a different approach to travel, they’re keen to discover if they have anything in common,” the description teases. “Brian’s desire to pursue experiences leads them to visit the Longmen Grottoes, a series of caves that are home to thousands of Buddhist statues. But their push for cultural experiences puts their position in the race at risk.”
Fin and Sioned
Fin, 18, and Sioned, 19, are a teenage couple from Carmarthen, Wales and they are the youngest team this year. “Keen to explore the world beyond the boundaries of their small village, the pair are initially overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge,” reads the description. “Sioned’s plan to stop and strategise proves fruitful, and the pair secure an early head start.”
Caroline and Tom
This mother and son duo sees a seasoned traveller, Tom, 21, pairing up with hishousewife mum Caroline, 60.
When does Race Across the World season 5 start?
Race Across The World debuts on Wednesday April 23 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The nine episodes will drop on Wednesday evenings.