Race Across the World air date confirmed and it’s sooner than you think

Five teams will race from Europe to Mongolia in what the BBC said is ‘the toughest journey yet’

The BBC has announced the start date of the new series of Race Across the World.

The show – which sees teams racing across huge distances with tight budgets, no phones and without using planes – is returning for a sixth series, and the broadcaster has confirmed that it will begin on Thursday April 2.

The teams have also been revealed, with best friends Jo and Kush, siblings Katie and Harrison, father and daughter Molly and Andrew, cousins Puja and Roshni and in-laws Mark and Margo tasked with making their way from Europe to “to the uncharted edges of Mongolia”.

Teasing that it will be “the toughest journey yet”, the BBC said the five teams will travel more than 12,000km across Europe and Asia.

Their route is carved through countries including Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and finishing on the shores of Lake Khövsgöl, in northern Mongolia.

A teaser trailer unveiled earlier this month shared a sneak peek at the series, showing the hopefuls trudging through deep snow, on horseback, jumping off boats and trying to thumb rides.

One of the contestants was heard declaring “this is an adventure”, as another said: “This race, it’s a lifetime of exploring in such a short amount of time. It’s going to open up a lot of doors not many people have the privilege to unlock.”

Fans were excited to get a glimpse of the latest race, with many posting messages on social media saying “can’t wait” after seeing the trailer.

“Best news ever – I can’t wait to go on this journey with all of them!!” one posted on Instagram, as someone else exclaimed: “Best programme is back!”

Former Race Across the World winner Aflie Watts was among those to chime in, posting: “The best route of the lot. Good luck in Mongolia.”

The show started in 2019, and has aired five series as well as a celebrity spin-off version.

Last year’s contest saw the teams travelling across China, Nepal and India to Kanniyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. It was won by mother and son duo Caroline and Tom, who scooped the £20,000 prize.

Race Across the World returns to iPlayer and BBC One for a sixth series on Thursday April 2.