Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Race Across the World 2025 back on our screens, and it is more intense than ever! This year, five brave teams set off on a massive journey across Asia. They had no phones, no credit cards, and a very tight budget. Imagine trying to travel 14,000 kilometers using only the cash equivalent of a plane ticket! It sounds impossible, right? But that is exactly what makes this show so much fun to watch.
In this series, we saw people from all walks of life testing their limits. From the busy streets of China to the peaceful mountains of Nepal, every step was a new challenge. We watched them struggle with language barriers and figure out how to use old-fashioned paper maps. If you missed the action or just want to relive the best moments, you are in the right place. Let’s dive into the details of Race Across the World 2025 and see how these teams handled the pressure.
Who Won Race Across the World 2025?
The big question everyone wants to know is: who took home the £20,000 prize? After a nail-biting finish at the southernmost tip of India, the winners were Caroline and Tom. This mother-and-son duo proved that teamwork and staying calm are the keys to success. They didn’t always lead the pack, but they were smart with their money and made great choices when it mattered most.
Coming in a very close second were sisters Elizabeth and Letitia. They were only 19 minutes behind the winners! It was one of the closest finishes in the history of the show. Third place went to the young couple Fin and Sioned, while brothers Brian and Melvyn finished in fourth. Sadly, Yin and Gaz were eliminated earlier in the race, but they still had an incredible journey.
The Massive 14,000km Route Revealed
The Race Across the World 2025 route was truly epic. It started at the iconic Great Wall of China (Huanghuacheng) and ended at Kanyakumari in India. This journey covered three different countries: China, Nepal, and India. Each leg of the race pushed the contestants to see parts of the world they never imagined visiting.
Teams had to navigate through eight different checkpoints. Because of travel restrictions in the Himalayas, the teams were actually flown from China to Nepal for one specific leg. However, the rest of the journey was strictly on the ground or by sea. They used buses, trains, and even boats to get from one point to the next. It was a true test of endurance and travel savvy.
How Much Money Did They Have?
One of the hardest parts of Race Across the World 2025 was the budget. Each person was given roughly £1,140. While that might sound like a lot, it has to cover all travel, food, and places to sleep for several weeks. This averages out to only about £22 per day!
To make their money last longer, many teams took on local jobs. We saw contestants working on farms, washing dishes, and even helping at a noodle bar. Working not only helped their bank balance but also let them meet local people. It is a great reminder that travel isn’t just about the places you see, but the people you meet along the way.
Starting Line: The Great Wall of China
The race kicked off at the Great Wall of China, specifically near Huanghuacheng. It was a breathtaking place to begin such a long trip. The contestants had to sign their names in the starting book before racing down to find their first transport.
China is a huge country with very modern trains and very old villages. Some teams chose to stay on the coast, while others headed inland. This first leg was a huge wake-up call for everyone. They quickly realized that without their phones, finding the right bus station in a city where they don’t speak the language is a massive task.
Legs Through the Heart of Nepal
After traveling through China, the teams moved into Nepal. This part of the race was physically demanding. Nepal is famous for its high mountains and beautiful landscapes. The checkpoints here, like Kathmandu, required teams to think on their feet.
The culture in Nepal is very different from China. The teams had to adapt quickly to different customs and ways of traveling. It was during these middle legs of Race Across the World 2025 that we saw some teams start to get tired. Tempers flared, and the lack of sleep started to show, but the beauty of the Himalayas kept them going.
The Final Stretch Across India
The final legs took place in India, a country full of color and energy. From the holy city of Varanasi to the beaches of Goa, the teams were constantly on the move. India’s train system is famous for being complex, and it provided some of the biggest challenges for our racers.
By the time they reached the final leg, the budget was very low for almost everyone. They had to be extremely careful with every penny. The race ended at Vattakottai Fort in Kanyakumari. This is where the waters of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. It was a perfect, symbolic spot to end such a grand adventure.
Behind the Scenes: Rules of the Race
Many fans wonder how the show is actually filmed. While the teams are on their own, they are followed by a small camera crew. However, the crew cannot help them! If a team gets lost, the crew just watches and films it. The crew also has a different budget for food, which sometimes makes the hungry contestants a bit jealous!
Another strict rule is that teams cannot accept free rides or money from strangers. Everything must be paid for out of their original budget or the money they earn from jobs. This makes the Race Across the World 2025 a very fair and very difficult competition.
Why We Love Race Across the World
The reason Race Across the World 2025 is so popular is that it feels real. We see the contestants at their best and their worst. We see them cry when they are tired and cheer when they find a cheap hostel. It reminds us that the world is a big, beautiful place and that most people are kind and willing to help.
It also shows us that you don’t need a lot of technology to have a great time. In our world of constant phone use, watching people rely on their own wits is refreshing. It makes many of us want to pack a bag and go on our own “no-phone” trip!
What’s Next for the Series?
If you loved this season, there is good news! The BBC has already confirmed that Series 6 will be coming in 2026. Applications are often open a year in advance, so if you think you have what it takes, you might even be able to apply. There is also a Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 featuring stars like Roman Kemp and Anita Rani for fans to enjoy.
Conclusion
Race Across the World 2025 was a journey of a lifetime that kept us all on the edge of our seats. From the Great Wall to the tip of India, Caroline and Tom showed us that heart and determination can take you anywhere. Whether you watch for the travel tips or the human drama, this series remains one of the best shows on TV. It teaches us about the world, but more importantly, it teaches us about ourselves.
FAQs
1. Who won Race Across the World 2025?
Mother and son duo Caroline and Tom won the race and the £20,000 prize.
2. Where did the 2025 race start and end?
The race started at the Great Wall of China and ended in Kanyakumari, India.
3. How much budget do the contestants get?
For the 2025 series, each person had a budget of approximately £1,140 for the entire trip.
4. Can contestants use their phones during the race?
No, contestants must hand over their smartphones and bank cards before the race begins.
5. How many countries did they visit in Series 5?
The teams traveled through three main countries: China, Nepal, and India.
6. Will there be another season of Race Across the World?
Yes! Series 6 has been confirmed for 2026, and a Celebrity version also aired in late 2025.
