It's been a nail-biting journey to follow, but after eight weeks BBC One's Race Across the World viewers have been left delighted as the final drew to a close on Wednesday, May 10, crowning best friends Cathie and Tricia the winners of the show, claiming the £20,000 cash prize.
Racing against Mobeen and Zainab (who came in second place) and Monique and Ladi (third), Welsh Cathie and her best friend Tricia travelled thousands of miles across Canada in a bid to reach the final destination first and bag the cash prize. From Vancouver to St John's, with only the bags on their back and a handful of cash, the teams made their way to their final destination of Lighthouse on Cape Spear by using taxis, public transport and hitch-hiking, as well as working in return for free food and accommodation.
But Cathie and Tricia's solid friendship and careful planning paid off as they became the first pair to reach the final checkpoint.
"It is just crazy madness but amazing, absolutely amazing. We've raced the whole of Canada with sod all budget," Tricia said through tears of joy, "eating cream cheese and crackers. Getting lost in Stanley Park and we've come first. How bloody amazing is this!"
Read more: BBC Race Across the World's Welsh finalist teases 'moments of sheer panic' in last episode
Cathie added: “I’m totally elated, I feel just total elation mixed with a bit of disbelief. I’m overwhelmed, it’s incredible. I think it’s the best way to say thank you to all of the people in Canada who have helped us get here. It’s just unreal.”
The episode started off a little shaky, with Mobeen and Zainab getting a head start, leaving the initial starting point first, however, Cathie and Tricia soon caught up by spending their money wisely - dipping into their savings and getting a cab and hefty amount of the way to their next destination. And after bagging a few free rides from some friendly Canadians, they were well on their way to first place.
Over the last 51 days of the race, viewers have watched on as Cathie and Tricia put their skills to the test and pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and to the limit in a bid to beat their competitors. On the way, they won the hearts of the nation with their beautiful and supportive friendship - read more on that here - that saw fans of the show back them enthusiastically.
While the pair encountered some difficult hurdles - such as Tricia, who has an eye condition (from which she is losing her sight) receiving some challenging news from home regarding her husband's kidney transplant - the pair pushed on and their determination paid off, with them claiming victory.
Reflecting on the result of the race, the runners-up, husband and wife team Zainib and Mobeen, said: “We always said that if we are not to win, we would want Cathie and Trish to win. They are like family to us now and them winning is like us winning.”
Father and daughter duo, Ladi and Monique, also added: “Huge congrats to Cathie and Trish – they’ve hustled hard and brought home that win!”
Viewers too were elated at the pair winning, with many taking to Twitter to voice their thoughts.
One user @Restoreholistic said: "Brilliant series. Loved all the couples. Tiny bit happier that Trish and Cathy won. I want to go to Canada. So much beauty. #RaceAcrossTheWorld"
Another, @CaroSims, added: "Loved every minute of this episode over the moon for Trish and Kathy #RaceAcrossTheWorld"
While a third wrote: "I’m so happy for the lovely ladies. That was an emotional series. I LOVE Monique and Ladi. One thing from this series? Kindness wins. Always. Well done to all of you. You all deserved to be in this final. #RaceAcrossTheWorld."
All episodes of Race Across the World are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now, including a special reunion programme, which airs on Wednesday, May 10 at 10.40pm on BBC One.
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