Race Across the World winners revealed in tense final

After eight episodes, the fourth series of Race Across the World came to a dramatic end on Wednesday 29th May, as the remaining four pairs took on the last leg of their epic journey to reach the final checkpoint in Lombok.

🚨 WARNING: The below article contains some major spoilers about series 4 of Race Across the World 🚨

Who won Race Across the World?

After leading the race most of the journey, 21-year-old Owen and 20-year-old Alfie were the first pair to sign the book at the final checkpoint in the Lombok, winning a cool £20,000 in the process.

The boys were closely followed by mother-and-daughter duo Eugenie and Isabel, who were just eight minutes behind them following a tense final dash across the Islands between the two.

Brother and sister Betty and James arrived 24 hours later, with just £1.48 left of their budget, whilst married couple Stephen and Viv also reached the final checkpoint, 30 hours and 20 minutes behind the winners.

Speaking about winning the show, Owen said: "Doing it was such a big thing. Getting on it was such a big part of it and doing it was such a big part of it. And then, I don't know the winning just feels like an add-on even though the winning is technically the biggest part of it. I don't know, you can't really digest it."

Alfie added: "I think it just feels complete, to be honest. It feels like we took home some incredible memories, unbelievable experiences. We did this once in a lifetime thing with each other, being the youngest two to ever do it. And then to win it as well, I mean, it’s incredible."

When asked what they plan to do with their winnings, Owen said: "I’ll definitely take my parents away, do something nice for them. And then you know, treat my brothers to a bit of money, get my brother out his overdraft, because I'm sure he will need that."

And it sounds like Alfie isn't finished travelling, adding: "I’m going to the Caribbean and then I need to go and live somewhere. So, I'm going to have to be sadly responsible with it… If it makes it through the Summer!"

What is the prize for winning?

As Alfie and Owen were the first pair to reach the checkpoint in Lombok, the were awarded with a £20,000 cash prize.

What was the route?

Series four saw this year's contestants travel 15,000km in 50 days, crossing six seas and eight borders in the process.

Starting in the northern-most part of Japan through to the finish line in the Indonesian island paradise of Lombok, all without the use of smartphones, internet access or bank cards and carrying only the cash equivalent of the airfare.

The BBC said of the route ahead of the series: 'Five intrepid duos will battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometres race across several countries. From northernmost Japan, they will cross six seas and eight borders, skirting the path of the volcanic ring of fire - the most geologically unstable region on the planet to reach the finish line in Lombok, an idyllic Indonesian island paradise'.

Who were the contestants?

Five pairs took part in the fourth series, including mother and daughter duos, Brydie and Sharon and Eugenie and Isabel; best friends, Alfie and Owen; married couple, Stephen and Viv and brother and sister, Betty and James.

When did series four start?

Series four of Race Across the World started on Wednesday 10th April, with weekly episodes for eight weeks.

Who was eliminated?

During episode three, mother and daughter duo Sharon and Brydie were eliminated after they were the last to reach the checkpoint in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.

What channel is it on?

The fourth series aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

What time was it on?

Race Across the World aired at 9pm, with 60-minute episodes, every Wednesday night.

When was the final episode?

The last episode aired on Wednesday 29th May.

How many episodes?

The fourth was made up of eight episodes.

Episode 1 aired on Wednesday 11th April.

Episode 2 aired on Wednesday 17th April.

Episode 3 aired on Wednesday 24th April.

Episode 4 aired on Wednesday 1st May.

Episode 5 aired on Wednesday 8th May.

Episode 6 aired on Wednesday 15th May.

Episode 7 aired on Wednesday 22nd May.

Episode 8 aired on Wednesday 29th May.

Will there be more series?

There will! Series five has already been announced for 2025, and there will be another celebrity edition of the show, which is 'coming soon'.

Can I apply?

Applications for the fifth series are now closed.

The website stated when they were open: 'We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice. We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.

'Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or explore a particular part of the world'.

Applications closed on Sunday 12th May.

Check out which other TV shows you can apply for:

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