Caroline and Tom have been named the winners of the BBC’s Race Across The World 2025 after a dramatic final episode that left many fans emotional.
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This season, four teams competed in a nail-biting race to the finish. A total of ten brave travellers took on the massive 14,000km journey across Asia, starting at the Great Wall of China and finishing in Kanniyakumari, India’s southern tip. They travelled without smartphones or bank cards, relying only on their instincts and basic language skills. The grand prize was £20,000.
The journey tested them with tough weather, emotional struggles, and unforgettable moments. In the finale, four teams battled it out: sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, friends Fin and Sioned, brothers Brian and Melvyn trying to reconnect, and mother-son duo Caroline and Tom. Earlier in the series, former couple Gaz and Yin, now friends, were the first team to be eliminated.
Also Read: Race Across the World’s Sioned Shares Huge ‘Struggle’ as She Breaks Down in Tears
In the end, Caroline and Tom were the first to reach the finish line, becoming this year’s champions. They follow in the footsteps of last year’s winners, Alfie and Owen. Elizabeth and Letitia came in second, just 19 minutes later, followed by Fin and Sioned, with Brian and Melvyn finishing last.
I’m feeling on top of the world. We must never doubt ourselves again. Ever, ever, ever.
An elated Caroline exclaimed, She later reflected poignantly
Tom shared his overwhelming emotions too.
That’s a really good feeling, I’m lost for words, I can’t believe it. 51 days racing through countries I never thought I’d go to, I never thought we’d come this far, I never thought we’d achieve so much and I’ve never been prouder of my mum – she got me through it.
he said
After filming the series, Tom described Race Across The World as the “best experience of my life,” while Caroline called it “a lifetime achievement”.
It feels absolutely amazing, I’m so sad it’s come to an end, that is the worst bit about it. We’ve enjoyed being with everybody but my God this race has meant so much. We’ve learnt so much we’ve enjoyed it and to actually win it as well as to have the experience is the best thing that could have happened to us.
Caroline expressed
Tom also reflected on the victory.
Doing the experience in itself is winning but to actually get to that book first and open it and to see that it was empty was something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
he added
In the final leg of their journey, Tom and Caroline began in the lead, followed by Elizabeth and Letitia, with Fin and Sioned behind them, and Brian and Melvyn starting last—17 hours behind the front-runners.
As they raced to the finish, each team had a tough decision to make: take a shorter coastal route to southern India with limited ticket availability, or travel through busy inland cities with more transport options.
The race was tense, with Brian and Melvyn appearing to stage a comeback, while Tom and Caroline faced an early challenge.
At one point, Tom believed he had overtaken fellow racers Fin and Sioned on the road, while Elizabeth and Letitia navigated the busy city streets with help from locals.
Beyond the competition, in their final moments in India, the teams reflected on the meaningful experiences they shared with their travel partners and the strong bonds they built—regardless of winning the prize money.
Letitia and Elizabeth spoke about reconnecting as sisters after difficult times, while brothers Brian and Melvyn reflected on why it had taken them so long to rebuild their relationship and “rekindle lost memories”.
Fin praised Sioned for growing more confident during the journey, and Tom brought Caroline—and many viewers—to tears as he shared how much the adventure with his mum meant to him.
The sob stories on #raceacrosstheworld are the best thing about it. It’s epic, emotional telly, personally I can’t get enough. Also, I keep changing my mind about who I want to win. They are all winners really.
remarked a viewer, who was emotionally invested in the show, Another viewer confessed
Source: Express.co.uk