Race Across The World 2026 - Thread 2

[LindorDoubleChoc]

Here we are continuing to watch, chat about and admire Race Across The World 2026, Sicily to Mongolia. Everyone welcome!

Link to thread 1 is here https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5510122-race-across-the-world-2026?reply=15225883.]]

I'm sorry I've had to start this probably a little early as I'm not watching live tonight (got home very late from work).

I suppose the home stays and scenery have been more spectacular in this series. They have to condense it into hour long slots so the less picturesque bits get lost. Also they already know who wins at that point so they want to give us clues - or red herrings.

I really liked Margo and Mark's approach when they stayed in the ger, they weren't squeamish about the food, and Mark ate part of the heart, no problem! I think that Mark in particular has got more open and relaxed. I hope they finish.

I suspect that Molly and Daddy will win, but they've all had an amazing journey.

I've cooked and eaten heart before, no problem, it's the unidentifiable things that look like bowels and intestines I couldn't stomach.

I agree. I think Margo thought Mark as ‘boring’ in the first episode, but you can see their friendship
grow, and Mark as a steady, reliable person able to appreciate and embrace things in his own, quiet way.

I agree, and his remarks about Julia were just lovely. He's learning to let her go.

Right. I was just commenting that Mark tucked into something which many of his ilk would be unfamiliar with, and possibly squeamish about.

I agree. Unless it was edited out, it seemed like M&M just asked how to get to what they had decided should be their next stop? They should have shown their host where the checkpoint was, and they might have got shown a different route to get there. They were all told that the maps and locations of roads weren’t always correct.

Off topic in terms of this season of the race but I’ve just seen this - I didn’t know Sam had passed away last year. How awful 😢

Jo, Kush, Katie and Harrison are taking part in the Manchester 10k with cast members from previous seasons in his honour.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgzrd2yj5qo

It wasn't supposed to be a criticism of Mark I doubt if I could have eaten any of it just that heart was probably the 'safest' bit.

That’s really lovely.

For all the tiresome sniping and muckraking that sometimes pops up around “big prize” programmes, I think one of the things I like most about RATW is that the contestants generally seem to bond with each other and enjoy the experience regardless of who actually wins.

Harrison in particular has already “won.” He started the race as bizarrely young curmudgeon, like a modern day Ebeneezer Scrooge. Contrasting the man who started the race saying he didn’t see the point of going on holiday to the one who was dancing with strangers in Mongolia and apologising to his sister for closing down and when their mother was so ill has been really moving.

Excellent points, it's lovely to see how Harrison has developed. Plus I like the way that he and Katie are able to talk about their experiences without bitterness or rancour.

So true @PineappleSunrise- I’ve loved this series. Think it might actually be my favourite one ever. I don’t mind who wins but think it will be Molly & Andrew given they have the most money. Hope Margo & Mark get to finish.

I have found this one really dull I’m afraid. The terrain hasn’t been very interesting and the participants much less engaging.
I have been watching all the series several episodes a night. I loved the Canadian one because of the country and the contestants. Also enjoyed the one with India and Nepal.

I disagree. I think every country has its own interesting features/culture etc (although I liked the Canadian one, I did miss the lack of language changes, border crossings etc).

Kyrgyzstan in particular looked stunning and has jumped up my 'to-visit' list. Walnut groves, plains with horses, gorges, mountain ranges etc.

Yes, I've enjoyed the variety - Italy, Greece, Turkey, the various Stans, Georgia and Mongolia. Some incredible scenery. Plus different challenges with different countries. I think this is a great series.

I've really enjoyed this series. The countries have been really varied and there haven't been any contestants I've disliked.

I want Katie and Harrison to win but think Molly and Andrew probably will. Sorry but I don't really get the "Scouse charm" of Jo and Kush.

I didn't enjoy the Canada one so much as it mainly seemed to consist of hitch hiking as I remember.

I would like mollie and her daddy to win , or Katie and Harrison.
the young men seem nice, but

I can't recall ever vehemently disliking any contestants, just sometimes the way the show has been produced by the Beeb.

I admire absolutely everyone who takes part. It can never be easy - it really is a tough physical and mental challenge and for (let's face it) very little prize money.

As someone who loves easy, comfortable travel, the show is a great way for me to see parts of the world I'll never visit. The cinematography is outstanding.

I've enjoyed the route of this one the most out of all of them. Harrison has really grown on me - he's quite witty! And I sympathise with him over the homestays. I'd love to do the show but having to talk at length to strangers is way out of my comfort zone.

That's what I think. I respect them for taking part, wanting adventure, pushing themselves. You're so right about the photography - it's been a visual feast, absolutely stunning.

What? The "terrain hasn't been interesting"??
Are you sure you are watching the same series? The terrain has been amazing in this series, absolutely stunning & so varied too.
I know we all have different opinions but I am genuinely shocked that someone could watch this series & say that.

Just found a lot of it a bit bleak . Lots of desert.

I thought the scenery was amazing.

Yes, I've really enjoyed the variety this series. I loved the unexpected parts, like the valley of walnut groves in Kyrgyzstan and how beautiful Tbilisi is.