Today is the day! Race Across The World is finally back for a season three and to say we're excited for the return of the series is definitely an understatement.
The BBC series has been away for a number of years (cheers COVID) but is now returning for a third series that sees five pairs of contestants compete to race across a certain area of the world in the quickest time. They have no access to their phones and can't travel by plane, instead they are given a GPS tracking device, a map, a money belt and a travel guide with local job adverts to help them get reach various check points.
This time the contestants are trying to get across the vast country of Canada. So, ahead of the series release later today at 9pm on BBC One, here's everything you need to know about the cast of Race Across The World season three.
Cathie and Tricia - Best Friends
Cathie
Age: 49
From: South Wales
Job: Company Director, Local Pharmacy
Tricia
Age: 48
From: Devon
Job: Bank Clerk
What made you want to take part in the series?
Tricia: "Firstly, because I like doing bonkers things. But for me, it's to prove to myself that with my sight loss I can still do stuff and that I'm not sight loss Tricia, I'm Tricia with sight loss – because a lot of people do label you. I also want to get it out there that people that have got sight loss can still do whatever they want to do, obviously, apart from driving.
"So, for me, it's proving to myself that I can do it, getting some of ‘me’ back and trying to get that confidence back.. I wouldn't want to do it with anybody but Cathie because she's the tonic to my gin."
Have you picked up any valuable tips from watching previous series?
Cathie: "Yes. Bringing a notebook and pen, it wouldn't have occurred to me initially, I don't know why but that’s the first thing I’ve picked up. Also being careful with money and spending it wisely. Not necessarily always going for the most expensive, fastest option."
Kevin and Claudia - Father and daughter
Kevin
Age: 53
From: Southampton
Job: Marine Canopy Maker
Claudia
Age: 27
From: Southampton
Job: Product Development and Buying
What made you want to take part in the series?
Claudia: "I am looking for some adventure, a reason to explore and develop our relationship. An excuse to get closer to dad, spend some time together and hopefully create some incredible memories."
Do you have a strategy?
Kevin: "I'd love to say that we do and we’ve thought that far ahead, but I think we're literally just winging it. Just being present and seeing what's right, deciding between the two of us."
Have you packed anything unusual?
Claudia: "Mine and my dad's idea of the key things to pack are very different. Dad has questioned me on my choices on shampoo and conditioner. Apparently, that's not the right means of survival whereas Dad's gone for the bar of soap that's got to last."
Ladi and Monique - Father and daughter
Ladi
Age: 52
From: Essex
Job: Sport and Physical Activity professional / Consultancy
Monique
Age: 25
From: East London
Job: Event Manager
What made you want to take part in the series?
Monique: "So, I stumbled across the series and said to Dad that I reckon we can do this and it sort of just happened. My main motivations are because I love travelling, but on a holiday. So, I don't actually travel, I've never owned a backpack, don't do the whole camping thing, that's not me. I want to challenge myself to be able to experience countries in a way that I probably never would unless it was a show like this. And who better to go with than my dad, because I feel like I need someone who's older, wiser and knows more about the world than I do."
Why did you decide to travel with your daughter?
Ladi: "I know that we're going to have an absolute ball on this adventure. She’s my Princess and I will protect her through hell and high water and it's just an extension of that. I wouldn't want to see her travelling around the world without me being around to save her from all the various trials and tribulations and challenges. Not that she won't be able to handle it herself."
Marc and Michael - Brothers
Marc
Age: 36
From: Tamworth
Job: Lift operator
Michael
Age: 34
From: West Midlands
Job: Manager in Children’s services
What made you want to take part in the series?
Michael: "There are a few reasons, really. I want to take part in it with Marc because we’ll get an opportunity to build a better relationship.It's a unique chance to have protected time out of our individual lives, do something together and share some incredible experiences. I know it sounds a bit corny, but it is a once in a lifetime trip. It will not only help our relationship but will also really benefit us moving forward with our lives. It’s something we want to do together, but we've also got our own individual reasons. I feel really fortunate to be able to develop myself a bit more and put some skills to the test."
Have you picked up any valuable tips from watching previous series?
Marc: "I think it's easy saying that we're going to be tight on money and we're going to come up with all the right ideas, it's easier said than done. But when you mix tiredness, hunger and no coffee, it will be hard. Food and sleep are quite a big challenge for me and Michael, and we've both agreed it’s going to be tough."
Mobeen and Zainib - Husband and wife
Mobeen
Age: 31
From: Manchester
Job: Trauma Orthopedic Surgeon, Trainee Registrar
Zainib
Age: 32
From: Glasgow, living in Manchester
Job: Psychiatrist
What made you want to take part in the series?
Mobeen: "It’s an amazing opportunity to switch off from life, which can sometimes seem to become a bit mundane, which it probably has been and the pandemic added to that. This is just one of those opportunities that doesn’t come around very often. We are very grateful to be sat here about to do this crazy journey."
How do you feel about travelling without your phone and cards?
Zainib: "I won’t struggle without having my phone, I’m actually really glad I won’t have it. I am absolutely buzzing. Keep it. Sell it for me. I don't care. What I’ll struggle with is not having my wallet. I'm very used to going out and about and saying, ‘I’ll have a bit of this, I'll have a bit of that.’ We’ll be on a budget, so I think I'm going to struggle a lot with that aspect of it rather than the phone."
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