In an exhilarating finale that captivated viewers across the globe, mother and son duo Caroline and Tom Bridge emerged victorious in the fifth series of Race Across The World. This beloved show has become a testament not only to resilience and adventure but also to the bonds of family and personal growth.
The series, aired on BBC One, tasked five pairs with an ambitious challenge: to traverse an astonishing distance of approximately 8,700 miles, from the Great Wall of China, north of Beijing, all the way to Kanniyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India. It was a journey that brought each pair through breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and diverse cultures, all while grappling with the unique challenges posed by the competition.
From the moment they crossed the finish line, joy erupted for the Bridges, who had spent 51 days racing through countries they never thought they’d visit. "We must never doubt ourselves again, ever, ever, ever," Caroline proclaimed, encapsulating the essence of their journey, while Tom, beaming with pride, expressed, "It’s a really good feeling. I can’t believe it: racing through countries and achieving so much."
As winners of Race Across The World, Caroline and Tom will share a cash prize of £20,000, but for them, the true reward lies in the memories they forged together. The race required participants to reach seven critical checkpoints across China, Nepal, and India, and true to the show’s rules, they were prohibited from flying. Each contestant was equipped with a modest budget of £1,140 per person—just enough for a one-way flight—prompting them to find innovative alternatives for transport, food, and accommodation while keeping their devices and bank cards at bay.
The emotional texture of this season added depth to the competition. Both Caroline and Tom sought to utilize this experience to strengthen their bond and explore their individual identities. At the outset, Caroline, 60, shared feelings of losing her sense of self beyond her roles as a mother and a wife. Meanwhile, Tom, 21, found newfound confidence, revealing his cerebral palsy to strangers for the first time during their travels.
The finale drew a sizeable audience to watch the Bridges share their victorious moment, surrounded by family and friends who erupted in cheers as they crossed the finish line first. Until the episode aired, their triumph was a closely guarded secret, adding a layer of suspense that enhanced the thrill for both the contestants and the audience.
Among the highlights of the season was the personal growth both Caroline and Tom experienced along the way. With only Tom having previous travel experience—spending around ten months exploring South America and Europe—the competition pushed Caroline beyond her comfort zone. She noted how the experience had filled her with a new sense of strength and courage, allowing her to tackle life with renewed resilience. "I’m not as frightened of being lonely… I feel I can reach out and speak to people," she reflected.
In addition to serving as a platform for personal discovery, Race Across The World garnered impressive viewer ratings. For each episode, nearly six million viewers tuned in, making it one of the UK’s most-watched programs throughout its run, second only to the anticipated Eurovision Song Contest.
Looking toward the future, the Bridges are planning their next adventure; a month of backpacking in Kazakhstan. Tom humorously confessed, "No idea why. No idea what Kazakhstan has to offer," yet his excitement resonates with the spirit of exploration that characterized their recent journey.
As they continue to reflect on the experience, the duo emphasizes how the competition drew them closer while also fostering personal transformation. They have hinted at potential future endeavors, with new episodes featuring a celebrity version slated for release in 2025 or 2026 and a reunion episode involving this year’s cast set for next week.
The producers behind Race Across The World, Studio Lambert, are known for other hit shows such as The Traitors and Gogglebox, and they seem to have another success on their hands with this captivating series. They are currently accepting applications for the next season, keeping the momentum of excitement alive among fans and prospective contestants alike.
The triumph of Caroline and Tom Bridge in Race Across The World serves as an inspiring reminder that embarking on challenging journeys—whether literal or personal—can yield incredible rewards. With their victory, they have both expanded their horizons and redefined their identities, paving the way for countless others who seek adventure and a deeper understanding of themselves. Through their incredible story, they inspire viewers to face their own challenges and to cherish the moments that bond us with others.
