Race Across the World

Technical Replacement

The BBC South West region started on 20th April 1961 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One South West.

BBC One South West HD

Games & Quizzes

Factual: Travel

Factual: Real Life Stories

Travellers race across the world without smartphones, internet access or credit cards.

In a frenetic race across the world, travellers can choose any route they like - but no flights or phones are allowed. On the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?

Series 4

BBC Two

Formerly part of a wider BBC One South East region. Separated as BBC One London 2001-09-03 following reorganisation of the South East region.

BBC One London HD

BBC One London

London

Simulcast of network BBC One in high definition. From 03/11/2010

BBC One HD

The BBC North East & Cumbria region started in 1959 (tbc) as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One North East & Cumbria.

BBC One North East & Cumbria

BBC One South West

The BBC East region started on 1st May 1959 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One East.

BBC One East

BBC One Yorks & Lincs

The BBC South region started on 5th January 1961 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One South.

BBC One South HD

BBC One Channel Islands

BBC One Yorkshire

BBC One Channel Islands HD

BBC One Yorks & Lincs HD

BBC One region covering Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

BBC One East Midlands HD

BBC One East Midlands

BBC One Oxfordshire

BBC One West Midlands HD

The BBC West region started on 1st September 1957 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One West.

BBC One West HD

BBC One Yorkshire HD

BBC One North East & Cumbria HD

BBC One North West

BBC One Cambridgeshire HD

Formerly part of a wider BBC One South East region that included London and part of the South region. Separated from BBC One London 2001-09-03 following reorganisation of the South East region.

BBC One South East

BBC One North West HD

BBC One East HD

BBC One South East HD

BBC One Cambridgeshire

BBC One West Midlands

BBC One South

BBC One West

BBC One Oxfordshire HD

BBC Northern Ireland region started on 19th April 1955 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One Northern Ireland.

BBC One Northern Ireland

Simulcast of BBC One Scotland in high definition. From 14/01/2013

BBC One Scotland HD

Simulcast of BBC One Northern Ireland in high definition. From 24/10/2012

BBC One Northern Ireland HD

BBC One Scotland

Scotland

Simulcast of BBC One Wales in high definition. From 29/01/2013

BBC One Wales HD

BBC One Wales

Wales

BBC Two England

England

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Simulcast of BBC Two Northern Ireland in high definition

BBC Two Northern Ireland HD

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

John Hannah

Michael Burns

Louis Bird

Joe Cummins

Niamh Kearney

Kate McLernon-Billows

Kevin Chu Thomson

Weston Owens

Mark Norgate

Myles Richardson

Charlotte Jacobs

Stephen Day

Tim Harcourt

Lucy Shepherd

Studio Lambert

Race Across the World: Series 4: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC One - Race Across the World, Series 4, Episode 1

Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breathtaking 15,000-kilometre race across eastern Asia through some of the world’s most populous regions and some of its most unexplored. 

The teams will race from northernmost Japan, crossing six seas and eight borders, skirting the path of the volcanic ring of fire – the most geologically unstable region on the planet – to reach the finish line in Lombok, an idyllic Indonesian island paradise. 

It’s a journey that will see them race through multiple countries, including experiencing Japan's clash of ancient traditions with the ultra-modern, unexpected South Korea. They will come face to face with chaotic and colourful Vietnam and brave the unexplored Indonesian archipelago – the largest Muslim nation in the world. Leaving behind their smartphones, internet access and bank cards, they will be armed only with the cash equivalent of the airfare from Sapporo to Lombok. 

The race begins in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, the most northerly of the four main islands of Japan. To reach the first checkpoint in Nara City, the teams face 1,600 kilometres through one of the most expensive countries where only a small percentage of the population speak English. With a myriad of routes to choose from, they must use all their skills, ingenuity and determination to make it off the island and to the checkpoint. 

At just 20 years old, the youngest competitors of the race, trainee pilot Owen and football referee Alfie from St Albans have a shared love of travel and a drive to win. Best friends since year 7, the determined pair fast-track to Tokyo, where they stumble upon the Naki Sumo festival – a curious competition where babies are judged for their ability to cry first. But will their unswerving competitiveness to win come at a cost?

Retired couple Stephen, 61, and Viv, 65, from Rutland, are embarking on a quest for one last thrilling adventure before they ‘dribble into old age’. Armed with wisdom and perspective, they believe their maturity will give them an edge over their younger competitors, but a slow start brings that thinking into question.  

For the first time there are two mother-and-daughter pairings in the race. Isabel, a trainee clinical scientist, is logical and likes to plan, whereas mum Eugenie, a teacher, is spontaneous and led by her heart. Isabel’s strategic thinking leads to a surprising decision that yields unexpected results. But as they attempt to merge their two contrasting strengths, they hit multiple bumps in the road. 

Sharon, 52, a cleaner from Kent, and her daughter Brydie, 25, a snowboarding instructor, are determined to use their budgeting and people skills as a strategy to help cope with the challenges that come with Brydie’s dyslexia and get the edge on the other teams. Some chance interactions with Japanese locals prove that it can pay to be kind as they receive help along the way.

Well-travelled Betty, 25, and her younger brother James, 21, who prefers holidaying in Magaluf with the lads, have barely known each other as adults. The siblings from Yorkshire need to find a way of working together to get off the island of Hokkaido. But with such different approaches to both travel and life, this doesn’t come easily, and they hit a rocky start when a decision needs to be made. 

As the teams close in on the checkpoint in Nara City, one of the most exciting races in the series’ history ensues in the battle for pole position. 

The race will test the five teams both physically and emotionally, pushing them to their limits. 

But with their feet on the ground, and their eyes wide open, the rewards will be great, and the memories will be everlasting. Only one team can emerge victorious as they all vie to be first and claim the cash prize of £20,000.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Race Across the World

Series 4

Episode 1

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC One South West HD

About BBC One