**Mother and Son Clinch Victory in Race Across the World 2025**
In a thrilling conclusion to the fifth series of the BBC’s much-loved adventure competition, Race Across The World, Caroline and Tom have crossed the finish line to become the first mother-and-son duo ever to win the show. Caroline, aged 60, and her 21-year-old son Tom, outpaced their rivals to claim the coveted £20,000 prize after an arduous journey spanning thousands of kilometres across Asia.
The final episode, aired on Wednesday, saw emotions running high as the four competing teams raced towards Kanniyakumari, the southernmost point of mainland India. The pair’s journey came to a triumphant close at Vattakottai Fort, where they discovered they were the first to reach the final checkpoint. Overwhelmed with joy as they penned their names in the finishing ledger, Tom declared, ‘It’s a really good feeling, I’m lost for words. I can’t believe it.’
The duo’s victory was the result of a gruelling 14,100 km trek over 51 days—a journey that led them through the vast and varied landscapes of China, Nepal, and finally India. Competing without the use of air travel and often relying on budget means of transport, the teams faced physical and emotional challenges as they navigated the world’s largest continent.
This year’s contest was particularly close, with siblings Elizabeth and Letitia arriving just 19 minutes after the winners. Teenage couple Fin and Sioned secured third place, while brothers Brian and Melvyn rounded out the group a little over three hours after the leaders. The narrow time gaps highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of the race, with strategies and decisions proving critical right up until the final moments.
Caroline and Tom had set out on the last leg with a significant advantage, starting nearly seven hours ahead of their nearest competitors from their seventh checkpoint in Panaji, Goa. With only around 1,000km separating them from victory, diligent planning and unyielding determination undoubtedly played a part in their impressive result.
Reflecting on their win, Tom described the experience as the best of his life, expressing gratitude not only for the prize money but for the opportunity to bond with his mother in extraordinary circumstances. ‘I never thought we’d come this far or achieve so much,’ he admitted, adding a heartfelt tribute: ‘I’ve never been prouder of my mum – she got me through it.’
Caroline echoed his sentiments, expressing pride and amazement at their joint achievement. She highlighted the life lessons and unforgettable memories forged along the route, emphasising that victory felt all the sweeter for being shared with her son.
The competition, which has built a reputation for its raw portrayal of human resilience and the unpredictability of travel, once again captivated viewers with scenes of breathtaking landscapes and moments of tension as contestants pushed their limits. The race not only tested the teams’ navigation skills but also their ability to adapt to unfamiliar cultures and manage their scarce resources.
Fans of Race Across The World can look forward to a special reunion episode set to air next Wednesday, 18 June, at 9pm on BBC One. The cast will reconvene to reflect on their exploits, share behind-the-scenes stories, and discuss how the journey has impacted their lives. For those keen to relive the drama, the series’ eight episodes are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
With another action-packed season concluded, anticipation already begins to build for what lies ahead in future editions of this extraordinary travel challenge—a programme that continues to celebrate the universal appeal of adventure, teamwork, and perseverance.