Race Across The World 2026

[LindorDoubleChoc]

Hooray!

This is back for another series, starting Thursday.

I just googled very quickly and they set off from Sicily and end the race in northern Mongolia - sounds interesting.

I don't know anything else about it at this point, but thought that we should have a thread ready and waiting.

I thought one of them said she’s doing better now, but I didn’t quite catch the exact wording

Then I cried again when he talked about letting his child go and finding it hard 😓😓

I'm having trouble placing Margo's accent. Can anyone help?

Liverpool. Think she said Mossley Hill.

i felt for Harrison when they were eating and the host started singing badly, and they had to sit and not just endure it but look positively thrilled. I once worked with a woman who would do this on work nights out. She’d drone on and on while we politely clapped after her song.
They are a nice bunch this year but to be fair to the Beeb, they nearly always show contestants in a good light.

I always think it’s mean to let the leaders out and then they can’t go anywhere as no transport so have to pay for a hotel.

Peraps it was just me, but I felt a bit sorry for Molly last night. I understand it might just be the editing and it's difficult when it's a parent / child relationship, as the parent tends to take the lead, but she doesn't seem to be enjoying the experience.

It's just the natural jeopardy of the show. Like one pair being being ahead but everyone converges on the only transport available and they are all level again. I don't think it's mean.

I think the Dad hasn't realised she has grown up and still wants to be the boss. I'm glad she came up with the better plan for the journey. I hope he truly appreciates her by the end of it. She's a doctor ffs not a schoolgirl.

I agree. They get let out late at night then have no options. I think it would be much better to time them for each section and add it up at the end, but I guess that doesn't make for as good TV. I suppose the current way evens the race out a bit, ie stops the same team always being ahead from the start.

I agree. Sometimes people get lucky, things happen by chance. Like the boys staying for free at that young man's house. That's what makes it interesting, I think.

Stunning landscapes, I really enjoyed seeing all the places on this leg, less well known.
I thought Mark's cat fascination was funny! They did look lovely though.

I was wondering when Mark was unwell, if they get access to doctors, if necessary and who pays for it? I would assume if serious enough to need a doctor, that is paid for by production team.

He had an array of medication in the room, which either has to have been purchased or taken with them from the start.

Yes, there's a van following them and a medic travels in that.

There's at least one medic with each team. They're in the vehicle that follows behind with the production team in it.

Margot's day out was the highlight for me. She seems so easy going and likeable.

I agree! I liked her chatting to those young women at the folk music evening. She seems so positive and easy going.

I loved Margo's easy way with those young women. I envied her ability to just talk to people like that! I would be like Mark, sitting quietly.

The editors have picked this out as one of the storylines. I expect they will show some kind of transformation - which could be significant, or could be all in the edit.

I am curious about when they do the interviews from which segments are interjected in episodes.

They overlaid Andrew talking wistfully about how quickly children grow up, his identity as a father being linked with being the decision maker, and how hard it is to let go. Did this come from pre race recordings, in- race recordings, or interviews they do after the race has concluded - when they have the storylines picked out from the first edit?

Andrew was saying that at the bus station, when Molly was playing with the toddler.
I like the fact they've not done too much of it this series. Katie and Harrison explained their story and you got a good sense of where they're from. it was very illuminating without being overdone.

I think there should be a consistent approach so it can be part of race strategy. Is there one?

If you always start the next leg at the same time of day you completed the last leg, contestants could build that into their strategy.

I agree. You'd need to think ahead about timings.

Except they don't know where the next check point is until they leave. I suppose they could look at the map and make an educated guess. Maybe they do.

The previous leg was the elimination leg so I guess all strategy would be abandoned!

Is it still 36 hours that they get in the hotel between legs?

Me too. The man just does not listen to her. At all. Its incredibly frustrating to watch.

Loved Margo escaping for the day. Dumplings and wine in the sun. Perfect.