Race Across The World series 3: Father and daughter team reveal the unexpected thing that moved them 'to tears'

Virgin Radio

22 Mar 2023, 08:00

Race Across The World might be a test of strength, stamina and endurance, but it also tugged at the heartstrings for one pairing. 

Kevin and Claudia, a father-daughter duo from Southampton, took part in the treacherous journey, which began at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver. The pair then had to trek 16,000 kilometres and six time zones to reach St John’s Newfoundland - which is North America’s most easterly city.

The exciting BBC competition series, which returns after three years away tonight (22nd March), promises to be the most extreme to date and will see more teams of two race around the globe without any help from flying or technology and with a strict cash limit.

The 2023 contestants will have to do whatever it takes to travel as cheaply as possible, without flying. Instead, they must rely only on their own skills, the kindness of strangers and the cash equivalent of a plane journey to their final destination.

It was those kind strangers in Canada that ended up bringing both Kevin and his daughter to tears, especially when it came to asking for help. 

Speaking exclusively to virginradio.co.uk ahead of tonight’s launch, Kevin and Claudia revealed what it was like having to rely on locals, which they were initially “embarrassed” by. 

Claudia explained: “We found it really hard to ask for help….but everyone was just so kind and just wanted to help you. That was just incredible, and that they wanted to be a part of your journey. It was just really lovely to be able to share that with some of them.

“It was really moving in parts. It really brought tears to my eyes, how kind people were, their generosity, and how they wanted to help you. When they learned about your story…there might have been people that were in similar experiences or life stories as mine and dad’s and it was just really nice for them to be a part of that journey.”

Kevin confirmed the pair found it overwhelming to receive such love from strangers, adding: I think it was just lovely that we were travelling as father and daughter. I think that it was the fact that they couldn't understand the fact that a father and a daughter are travelling together for what potentially would have been a couple of months. The people we met were so friendly and so welcoming.”

The father and daughter team decided to travel together after years of solo travelling and exploring separately. 

Explaining their motivation, Claudia shared: “Mine and my dad's relationship started to drift apart really. So this was about rebuilding that and spending time with each other and starting to learn a bit more about who each other is, at this moment in time.

“My dad drives me so crazy, on the day-to-day, so to do such a big adventure like this, I probably couldn't think of a better person to do it with, he probably brings out the worst of me, but he also brings out the best. It was really great to be able to share that experience with dad.”

Race Across The World series three will return on Wednesday 22nd March at 9pm, on BBC One and iPlayer. Season two is currently available on BBC iPlayer.