The next series of Race Across the World kicked off earlier this month and has seen teams make their way through Italy, Greece and Türkiye - set to head to their next checkpoint in Georgia's capital of Tbilisi tonight.
Known for being an intense test of teamwork, the high-stakes travel show started with five brand-new pairs ready to take on the epic 12,000km journey.
This year’s line-up included best friends, a father and daughter, cousins, siblings, and the show’s first ever in-laws.
But who exactly are they, what made them sign up for the challenge of a lifetime and which pairs still remain in the race across the world?
Race Across The World 2026 cast
- Mark and Margo (in-laws)
- Katie and Harrison (siblings)
- Andrew and Molly (father and daughter)
- Kush and Jo (friends)
- Puja and Roshni (cousins) - eliminated after leg 3
Katie and Harrison
Who are Katie and Harrison? Katie and Harrison are a brother and sister duo from Manchester, who both work in the corporate world. Katie, 21, is an account manager, while Harrison, 23, is a finance assistant.
Why did Katie and Harrison join Race Across the World? Harrison revealed that it was actually their mum who sent them a link to apply! He said he’d always been a fan of the show, but it took a bit more effort to convince Katie – luckily she came around!
What position are they in the race? After reaching the last stage of the race with a whopping 31-hour advantage, Harrison and Katie reached the last checkpoint in Halfeti shortly after midnight. They were the first group to arrive.
Mark and Margo
Who are Mark and Margo? Mark, 66, is a retired architect from London, and he’s racing with his sister-in-law Margo, 59, a hypnotherapist from Liverpool. They are connected by Mark’s late wife and sister of Margo, Julia, making them the first in-laws ever to take part in the show.
Why did Mark and Margo join Race Across the World? Mark and Margo previously had a somewhat difficult relationship, but set their differences aside when Mark’s wife, and Margo’s sister, Julia fell ill. When she sadly passed away in July 2022, it was one of her last requests that Margo and Mark continue the friendship they’d built while caring for her. For them, partaking in the show is a way to fulfill her wishes.
What position are they in the race? Mark and Molly are second, after arriving not too long after Harrison and Katie, arriving at Halfeti's check point at 10am.
Kush and Jo
Who are Kush and Jo? At just 19, childhood best friends Kush and Jo are the youngest pair in this year’s race. Kush is on a gap year, while Jo is a college student from Liverpool.
Why did Kush and Jo join Race Across the World? The idea came from Kush, who spotted the application on Instagram and immediately called Jo to ask if he fancied it. His response – “Yeah, sound” – led them to actually appearing on the show.
What position are they in the race? Coming in right on Mark and Margo's heels, Josh and Kush arrived at 10:38am and are now third place.
Andrew and Molly
Who are Andrew and Molly? Andrew, 54, is a geography teacher from Northern Ireland, travelling with his 23-year-old daughter Molly, who’s a junior doctor.
Why did Andrew and Molly join Race Across the World? Andrew applied on a whim while Molly was busy sitting her finals – never expecting they’d actually be chosen. The pair have been describing it as “a joke gone too far”. With a natural love for the outdoors, Andrew wants people to know he’s “not just that person they see in school."
What position are they in the race? Andrew and Molly reached the last checkpoint at 2:14pm and are in the last position.
Puja and Roshni
Who are Puja and Roshni? Puja, 31, is a doctor racing alongside her cousin Roshni, 32, a software engineer. Puja actually applied for the show years ago with a friend, but was encouraged to do it with someone she had a deeper connection with – leading her to Roshni.
Why did Puja and Roshni join Race Across the World? After the cousins dedicated their twenties to their careers, Puja reached what she describes as a “career block” and wanted to prioritise making memories instead. For her, the race is about doing something purely for herself.
What position are they in the race? Sadly Puja and Roshni were the first pair to leave the contest after reaching the checkpoint a day later than all the other pairs at 2:23am.
Puja told Morning Live shortly after returning back, as quoted by The Mirror: "I think you can see on most of the leg we thought we were not that bad. We were quite confident. I always think you should believe in yourself which we did."
Race Across the World continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
