After an epic journey spanning over 13,000 kilometers across Asia, the latest series of BBC's Race Across the World concluded with a nail-biting finish as mother-and-son duo Caroline and Tom emerged victorious. Their triumph not only marked a thrilling end to the competition but also highlighted the transformative power of travel and the deep bonds forged on the road.
The fifth series of the popular travel race saw five teams embark on an ambitious adventure, starting from the Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng, traversing through Nepal, and finally making their way to the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. With a modest budget of just over £1,000 per person, the contestants faced the daunting challenge of navigating over 14,000 kilometers through diverse cultures, terrains, and unexpected obstacles.
Among the contenders were Caroline, 61, and her 21-year-old son Tom, who has cerebral palsy. Their participation was not just about the race but a journey of rediscovery and personal growth. Caroline revealed on The One Show, ahead of the finale, that she had felt lost and undervalued outside her roles as wife and mother. "I'd had quite a bad year so coming on Race came at exactly the right time for me," she shared. "I now feel like I want to do more things." Tom echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the confidence the race instilled in him: "You have to trust your instincts a bit more, to just believe in yourself. It was nice to see that it does work out sometimes." To commemorate their shared experience, the pair got matching tattoos bearing "RATW 5"—a permanent reminder of their journey and the fifth series of the show.
The competition was fierce. Alongside Caroline and Tom were siblings Elizabeth and Letitia, brothers Brian and Melvyn, and young partners Fin and Sioned, aged 18 and 19 respectively. Each team brought its unique dynamics and motivations. Elizabeth and Letitia sought to reconnect after nearly a decade apart, with Letitia expressing a desire to push herself beyond her comfort zone. Brothers Brian and Melvyn embraced the race as a chance to rekindle their bond, which had waned over the years. Meanwhile, Fin and Sioned, the youngest team, faced the emotional and cultural shocks of the journey head-on, with Sioned admitting she had moments of doubt, saying, "I think I said, 'I can't do this', about 100 times." The race tested relationships and resilience alike.
The final leg was a dramatic sprint to the finish. Caroline and Tom began with a seven-hour lead, closely followed by Elizabeth and Letitia, with a mere 54 minutes separating them. Fin and Sioned were also in close contention, while Brian and Melvyn faced a significant 19-hour deficit after a challenging penultimate leg. The teams had to make strategic decisions between a scenic coastal route and a potentially faster inland path, balancing risk and reward under tight time constraints.
In a thrilling climax, all four teams exhausted their remaining budgets on taxis and fishing boats, racing through vibrant southern Indian landscapes. The tension was palpable as viewers watched the teams abandon their backpacks and dash to sign the checkpoint book. After 51 days on the road, the finish was incredibly close—only 19 minutes separated the top teams. Caroline and Tom clinched the win, with Elizabeth and Letitia finishing second and Fin and Sioned third. Brian and Melvyn, despite their comeback efforts, arrived three hours later.
The series was more than a competition; it was an immersive travelogue showcasing the rich tapestry of India’s southern states—from cantilevered fishing nets to bustling flower markets. The contestants encountered warmth and generosity from locals, such as a young man who gifted Fin and Sioned provisions and a couple who invited Elizabeth and Letitia to their wedding, reminding viewers of the kindness that transcends borders.
While the show received praise for its authentic portrayal of travel and human connection, some viewers expressed mixed feelings. On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, fans debated the balance between the race’s adventurous spirit and the emotional backstories of contestants. Some called for less focus on "sob story" segments, arguing that viewers tuned in primarily for the excitement and cultural experiences. One user lamented, "This series producers have ruined Race Across the World with long drawn out sob story segments, it's too much!" Others, however, valued the emotional depth, particularly highlighting Brian and Melvyn's candid reflections on their childhood and relationship, which resonated deeply with many.
Race Across the World has evolved significantly since its inception as a BBC Two experiment. Over six years, it has transformed into a primetime BBC One hit, spawning a celebrity spin-off and earning multiple Bafta awards. Its unique blend of immersive travel, human stories, and competitive spirit has captivated audiences and inspired a renewed appreciation for slow, smartphone-free exploration.
Looking ahead, Caroline and Tom are already planning their next adventure, with plans to backpack around Kazakhstan—a prospect that brings a smile and a laugh from Caroline, who admits she doesn’t even know where it is yet. Their journey on Race Across the World not only rekindled a mother-son bond but also ignited a shared passion for discovering the world together.
As the series wrapped up, Caroline reflected on the experience with heartfelt emotion: "While I’m standing here sweaty, smelly and exhausted, I feel on top of the world. I felt like such a failure to begin with. We must never doubt ourselves again." Her words encapsulate the spirit of the race—it's not just about crossing the finish line, but about the personal victories and transformations along the way.
For viewers, Race Across the World remains a compelling invitation to step beyond familiar horizons, embrace uncertainty, and discover the unexpected joys of travel and human connection.
