
Race Across The World Winners 2025: Mother-Son Duo Triumph in Epic Journey
The fifth season of BBC One’s adventure series Race Across The World has come to a thrilling end, crowning Caroline and Tom Bridge—the inspiring mother-and-son pair from Hargrave, Suffolk—as the champions of 2025. Their incredible feat involved racing over 8,700 miles (14,000 km) from the iconic Great Wall of China to the southernmost point of India, Kanniyakumari.

A Journey of Endurance, Discovery, and Bonding
Unlike traditional travel shows, Race Across The World strips contestants of modern conveniences. Competitors aren’t allowed to fly, use smartphones, or rely on credit cards. Instead, they must navigate foreign lands with a strict budget of £1,140 per person—the cost of a one-way airfare—seeking out their own food, shelter, and transportation.
Over 51 grueling days, Caroline (60) and her son Tom (21) traversed China, Nepal, and India, passing seven strategic checkpoints. Their journey was about more than winning; it was an emotional and transformative experience that redefined their relationship and helped them grow individually.
Tom, who has cerebral palsy, found the courage to openly talk about his condition for the first time during their travels. Meanwhile, Caroline rediscovered her self-worth and strength beyond the labels of “mother” and “wife.”
“We must never doubt ourselves again,” Caroline said after crossing the finish line.
“I’ve never been prouder of my mum,” added Tom.

Why Their Win Resonates with Viewers
What made their victory especially meaningful was their humility and vulnerability. Viewers were captivated not just by the geographical journey but by the emotional milestones. From Caroline’s quiet moments of reflection to Tom’s increasing confidence, their story became a beacon of hope, resilience, and family love.
The mother-son duo kept their win a closely guarded secret, even from their closest friends and family. When the final episode aired, cheers erupted as they watched themselves step triumphantly across the finish line.

Race Across The World 2025: A Record-Breaking Season
This season of Race Across The World was a hit with audiences, drawing nearly six million viewers per episode, according to TV ratings body BARB. It consistently topped weekly TV ratings across all platforms—streaming or broadcast—except during Eurovision week.
The show’s authentic storytelling, raw human emotion, and breathtaking travel routes continue to make it a standout in reality television.

What’s Next for the Champions?
With £20,000 in prize money, Caroline and Tom are already eyeing their next big adventure: backpacking across Kazakhstan.
“No idea why,” Tom admitted. “But that’s the beauty of it—we didn’t know where we were going during the Race, and we loved it.”
More than just a trophy and prize, the experience gave them a renewed zest for life and a deeper bond that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
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