Race Across the World 2024: Histoy, Start points, Locations Visited, Past races, Memorable moments in history, Facts And Everything To Know
Overview
The fourth series of Race Across the World took place entirely in Eastern Asia, spanning 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles). Five pairs of contestants embarked on this epic adventure, racing from Japan to Indonesia without using air travel. Armed with only a map, travel guide, and GPS tracker, they faced challenges, formed lasting memories, and also forged unbreakable bonds.
Contestants
Here are the five pairs of competitors who took part in this exhilarating race:
- Alfie and Owen: Lifelong friends, they became the youngest-ever pair to win the race.
- Also Eugenie and Isabel: A mother-daughter duo who pushed Alfie and Owen to their limits.
- Betty and James: Brother and sister, they raced with determination.
- Also Stephen and Viv: Husband and wife, their adventure marked the end of a lifetime.
- Brydie and Sharon: A pair of friends who embarked on this incredible journey.
The Route
The race began in the Japanese city of Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido and concluded on the Indonesian island of Gili Meno off Lombok. Along the way, contestants crossed six seas and eight borders, encountering diverse cultures, local flavors, and the harsh realities of life on the road.
The Winners
After an intense boat race to the finish, the best friends duo, Alfie and Owen, emerged victorious. They became the youngest-ever pair to win the race, claiming the coveted £20,000 prize. Their journey took them from the northernmost tip of Japan to the Indonesian island of Lombok. Along the way, they faced challenges, also formed lasting memories, and forged unbreakable bonds.
Competition:
The mother and daughter duo, Eugenie and Isabel, gave it their all until the very end and came in just eight minutes behind Alfie and Owen. Following closely were the brother and sister duo, Betty and James, while husband and wife team Stephen and Viv secured fourth place.
Thrilling Finish:
The final leg saw Alfie and Owen starting in the lead, but only a mere 12 minutes ahead of Eugenie and Isabel. They began in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, with over 1,000km to conquer before reaching the finish line in Lombok. Despite making up good time during the leg, Alfie and Owen faced a challenge. when they discovered that the island of Gili Meno (where they needed to go) was only accessible by boat during daylight hours. This delay allowed Eugenie and Isabel to close the gap, resulting in a nail-biting finish.
Memorable Moments
- Sprint Finish: Alfie and Owen secured victory with a sprint finish along the beach and into tropical waters. Their elation was palpable as they reached the final checkpoint in first place.
- Close Competition: Mother and daughter duo, Eugenie and Isabel, gave it their all. And also came in just eight minutes behind the winners.
- Also Budget Challenges: Contestants managed their budgets, finding short-term opportunities to work for money or bed and board.
- No Phones or Internet: The race tested their resourcefulness, as they were not given access to telephones or the internet.
