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00:0145 days ago, a once-in-a-lifetime race began.
00:07For six pairs of ordinary Brits,
00:09an extraordinary 12,000-mile journey from London to Singapore
00:14without taking a single flight.
00:16All they had, the price of an airfare on the day of departure.
00:20What am I doing?
00:20Holy moly, that's going to be tough.
00:22They've crossed deserts.
00:24This is where you get to find out about yourself.
00:26Seas.
00:27The storm is coming.
00:29And jungles.
00:30Oh, it's Nick.
00:32Oh, my God.
00:33They've battled extreme weather.
00:35I'm breaking point.
00:36Intense heat.
00:37I need to just sit down a minute.
00:38I'm going to be bare bones in a pile of sweat.
00:41And a typhoon.
00:42Why the hell did I do this?
00:44All without the trappings of modern-day life.
00:47We may not be eating tonight.
00:49I'd give anything for a flight.
00:51No smartphones.
00:52Is that where it is?
00:54And no bank cards.
00:56No euro.
00:57No euro.
00:58The rewards have been great.
01:01I've been able to appreciate the world.
01:04Most people would go from A to B on a plane.
01:07Then they'd miss all this.
01:09This is what we're searching for.
01:11The £20,000 prize awaits the winners.
01:15I'm going to start playing dirty.
01:17I'm going to have a lot of money.
01:18They're playing mind games and intentionally trying to stress us out.
01:22That's the best thing that's happened in this entire trip.
01:25This is just one in a lifetime.
01:28It's an amazing privilege.
01:30Come on, come on.
01:32As they approach the finish line.
01:34Shift you.
01:35Come on.
01:36On their race across the world.
01:3850 days.
01:39Blood, sweat, singers.
01:45Previously.
01:46It's race day.
01:48With Singapore getting ever closer.
01:50Nice to have a little jog in the morning with 60 kilos on your back.
01:53The teams raced through South East Asia.
01:55We need to be quick.
01:57To the penultimate checkpoint.
01:59What were we wrong?
02:00By stopping for cash.
02:02Every little bit of money is going to count.
02:04And to feed the locals.
02:05I hope these bloody elephants are hungry.
02:08Darren and Alex grew ever closer.
02:10Doing something like this.
02:11And we're bonding even more.
02:13But gambled with their lead.
02:14Tony and Elaine in a tuk-tuk.
02:16Seriously.
02:17Taking full advantage.
02:18You're kidding me.
02:20Tony and Elaine hold themselves back into contention with the father and son team.
02:24To finish the leg as joint leaders.
02:27Yes.
02:29While for the other two teams.
02:31Shamima, Josh and Felix.
02:33Storm clouds gathered.
02:34There's a flood.
02:36Leaving them washed up.
02:37And last place.
02:39I'm signing in.
02:40All four teams.
02:41They're in it still.
02:50Checkpoint five.
02:53A last chance for the teams to catch their breath.
02:59With money in short supply.
03:01They're about to begin the dash to the finish line in Singapore.
03:051,500 miles away.
03:12Dad.
03:13Come on.
03:17You ready big man?
03:19I've come back to this resort.
03:20Just for a day or a couple of days?
03:22A couple of days.
03:23And then go to the party island for a bit.
03:25Will you bring your Chinese girlfriend with you?
03:28Oh, shut up Tony.
03:30I'm single.
03:31Setting off with a 16 hour lead over their rivals.
03:35Retired teachers Tony and Elaine.
03:38This is going to be nice and sweaty for you.
03:41And Darren and Alex.
03:43Let's go get one of these.
03:46We're definitely not here just to make up the numbers.
03:48Real win.
03:49It's as simple as that.
03:51Alex has got a lot more people skills.
03:53Where I'm probably more logical, calculated.
03:56I think those skills combined make us a very effective team.
04:01Definitely.
04:02How are you dazzled this morning?
04:04Shivering and vomiting through the night.
04:06It's a bit hard.
04:06Yeah.
04:07I don't know.
04:08I think it's sunstroke or something.
04:10Yeah.
04:10Really pleased to hear about that.
04:17We're extremely competitive.
04:20I didn't realise Elaine was.
04:22But she's actually more competitive than me.
04:24I'm competitive within myself.
04:27So like if I do a half a marathon in two hours,
04:30then I want to do it in one hour 59 minutes.
04:33I'll push myself to improve performance.
04:37We're going to win this race.
04:40With a mammoth 11,000 miles behind them,
04:43this final leg will see the teams race the length of Thailand
04:47and into Malaysia before heading for the finish line in Singapore.
04:52First, they need to head out of Cambodia.
04:55First one to Singapore.
04:57Take your marks.
04:58Yes, sir.
04:59Go!
05:02Our philosophy is we've got to keep moving.
05:05We've taken the expensive way of taxi to the border,
05:10which is 500 kilometres.
05:12We have around $500,
05:14but all our money is going to go on travel this late.
05:18With the healthiest budget remaining,
05:20Tony and Elaine are taking a direct route along the coast
05:23to the Thai border town of Trat.
05:26But with public transport options limited,
05:29taxis are a must.
05:31$60.
05:32Best $60 I've ever spent, I think.
05:35We've made the choice.
05:36We've just got to stick with it.
05:37It's pretty nerve-wracking at this stage.
05:41It'll be people that haven't got the money that will go the other way.
05:46We only have $200 exactly to get to Singapore.
05:52Cash-strap Darren and Alex are taking a different route,
05:56back to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.
05:59I think we've made that decision because we have very little money.
06:03There, they can take advantage of cheap and frequent public transport
06:07to the Thai capital, Bangkok, but it will add 200 miles to their journey.
06:13Our strategy will be save on accommodation by travelling at night,
06:18eat just before we pass out and die,
06:20and we always use someone else's toilet paper.
06:23Not used toilet paper.
06:28I think if we did it in four days,
06:30we would be expecting to come in first.
06:32I suspect it's going to be closer to five days
06:38and anybody's.
06:41As two teams head towards Thailand,
06:44the others must wait to leave the checkpoint.
06:46Right now, us two, Josh and Felix, are in last place.
06:50Yeah. It's anyone's game.
06:52Tony and Elaine, they were two days behind.
06:54They've gone from last place to first place twice.
06:57I know.
06:58With everyone this close, coming into this last leg,
07:00there will be a moment where we go,
07:02this is that roll of the dice,
07:03and we're going to leap ahead of everyone else,
07:05and it's possible.
07:06Like, it's possible.
07:08We want to win this race.
07:09There's no second chances any more.
07:11There's no chance.
07:12This is it. It's the final.
07:14This last leg needs to just be just about the race.
07:19The race.
07:21We need to go at 12.30.
07:24As soon as possible.
07:25As soon as possible.
07:26We can't sit here for two hours.
07:28Two.
07:32Ow.
07:33Gearing up for a six-hour bus journey to Phnom Penh,
07:37Darren and Alex.
07:38Oh, my God.
07:39It's mainly my shoulders, what I'm burning.
07:42It looks painful.
07:44It's very painful.
07:46You know, just be gentle, Alex, please.
07:50Oh, my skin is on fire.
07:52I feel like we've done all this.
07:55We can face most things now.
07:57And you know when the locals are looking at you going,
07:59that must hurt.
08:00Shh.
08:01They do, don't they?
08:04Phnom Penh?
08:04Yeah.
08:06Next stop, Phnom Penh.
08:08And then from that, Bangkok.
08:13100 miles to the west.
08:15Leaving Cambodia with a beautiful smile.
08:18Tony and Elaine are the first team to cross into Thailand.
08:23Drawing over 35 million visitors a year,
08:26Thailand is celebrated for its Buddhist history,
08:28once known as the Kingdom of Siam.
08:31Its capital, Bangkok,
08:33is home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha.
08:36At three metres high and five and a half tonnes,
08:39it has an estimated value of $250 million.
08:45We're in Thailand.
08:46And it's the best border crossing going ever.
08:49Some of the borders have come over.
08:50It's just like scary Harry.
08:52This is, everybody's welcoming you and it's party time.
08:56It feels good.
08:58We're over the border in ten hours.
09:01Ah.
09:02When do we go?
09:03How long?
09:04Heading to the Thai town of Trat.
09:06Go now.
09:07Yeah.
09:07Oh, good. Thank you.
09:081,200.
09:10Two people.
09:11Yeah.
09:11They aim to catch an onward connection to Bangkok.
09:15You are joking me.
09:18Oh, God.
09:19A yoghurt's split all over his back.
09:22Who puts it in there?
09:24What a bloody dipstick.
09:27Who would put a yoghurt in my pocket and not tell me about it?
09:30Where else did you want me to eat?
09:31If we put a yoghurt in the baking heat...
09:34Who would put it in the side of her hips?
09:37Oh, Jesus.
09:40One hundred and sixty miles behind...
09:42Well, we're in Phnom Penh again, Dad.
09:45Darn and Alex have arrived in the Cambodian capital.
09:52This bustling city is home to over two million people.
09:56It seems to be a continuous rush hour.
09:57It never seems to stop.
09:59And at this time of year, the population swells even further
10:03for the Bon Om Took Water Festival,
10:06marking an extraordinary annual phenomenon
10:09when the monsoon rains cause the Tonle Sap River
10:12to reverse its flow.
10:15Try and get to Bangkok tonight.
10:18Alex, I'll wait at you.
10:20Let you do the dealing.
10:21Hello.
10:22Hello.
10:22Bus to Bangkok.
10:239.15, Bangkok.
10:25OK.
10:26$21 each, possible.
10:27Is it done?
10:28Please.
10:3042.
10:31Please.
10:32Please.
10:33Please.
10:34We can't afford $25 for a ticket to Bangkok each.
10:39We're planning on $50 a day budget.
10:42Even if it's a dollar cheaper per person,
10:44that's massive for us.
10:45It means we can have a...
10:48We can eat.
10:49It's that significant.
10:51Hello, Nene.
10:52Please.
10:53OK.
10:55I hate begging what I'm doing.
10:57Anything I can to make it to Singapore.
11:00I've got to do it.
11:03Thank you very much.
11:09Oh, my God.
11:12I am so uncomfortable.
11:14It's only for 12 hours.
11:19Alex has got a lot more life at the moment.
11:22He's gained his focus.
11:24And I'm hoping, until I recover, his energy will drag me along.
11:31It's a bit weird how we swap roles.
11:34It used to be me, where I can't be bothered.
11:37I'm tired.
11:38I'm stressed.
11:39Don't want to carry on no more.
11:40And now, I'm trying to tell him he's got to get on with it.
11:44Otherwise, we're not going to make it.
11:46Come on.
11:48Good night.
11:51My sunburns hurt so much.
12:008am.
12:01Entering the final leg of the race, Natalie and Shamima and Josh and Felix.
12:07Bye, Island.
12:08Getting to the finish line is going to be a massive achievement.
12:10That's the main race for us.
12:13$257.27.
12:14How long is that going to last?
12:17Felix and I's ability to rely on each other,
12:19even when the going gets really tough.
12:22Our ability to take risks.
12:23Hopefully, that will stand us in really good stead.
12:25I feel like I'm getting really emotional.
12:27It has been an opportunity of a lifetime.
12:32Winning, to me, is not about the money.
12:35Being able to spend all that time with my sister.
12:42Don't make me get out of the spot stolen toilet roll.
12:46I like to win everything.
12:48On sports days, I've won every mum's race for the last 15 years.
12:54Nobody wants to race me anymore.
13:00It's okay, baby.
13:05God.
13:10We're absolutely brass knuckles broke.
13:13With money worries of their own,
13:15Josh and Felix head in the same direction as Darren and Alex.
13:18We're going to get the 3.30 bus to Phom Penh,
13:20opting for cheap public transport to get them to Thailand.
13:25We know that it's probably 12 hours from there to Bangkok.
13:28We don't really have the funds to pay for accommodation.
13:31It's always good to be on the road.
13:33Every road leads to Singapore,
13:34apart from this one, which goes in the opposite direction.
13:39Natalie!
13:40Yeah?
13:41There's a taxi here now for $60.
13:44Let's go.
13:45With their healthier budget,
13:46Natalie and Shamima can afford to travel in style.
13:50We are heading to the border.
13:53We're starting off our journey fast and in comfort.
13:57Fast and furious.
13:58Because we have the money to do that.
14:01As much as we like saving money,
14:02we really enjoy spending money,
14:03so why not so spend it in the last leg?
14:07When I started off, I wanted to do this for my girls,
14:10I wanted to do it for my friends,
14:11I wanted to do it for my family,
14:11but now I feel like I'm doing this for myself.
14:13I want to do this for myself.
14:16And for our team.
14:17And for you.
14:19Don't touch me!
14:23As the last two teams make their way out of Cambodia,
14:27Darren and Alex cross the border into Thailand.
14:30I feel a little cheerier today.
14:32And with Darren's appetite returning...
14:35How much, please?
14:36..they grab a budget breakfast.
14:38Go on, just get it over with.
14:40It's a locust.
14:45Not bad at all.
14:46It don't taste too nice.
14:47Cheap.
14:49High in protein.
14:50The larvae are the worst bit.
14:52They've got a gooey centre.
14:56You can finish them.
14:58They're horrible.
14:59They can't catch a bus anywhere.
15:02Ugh.
15:07Still 1,300 miles from Singapore.
15:0920, 40, 60, 80, 100, 125 dollars.
15:20Ooch!
15:22We are royally screwed, aren't we?
15:27Desperately in need of cash,
15:29Alex searches the jobs directory for local work.
15:32A dog.
15:34This.
15:35I'm not looking after dogs.
15:37It's the best ones.
15:38I don't care.
15:39I'm not looking after dogs.
15:40They hate dogs.
15:41Do we need money?
15:42Yes, we do.
15:43What's your favourite three words?
15:46Suck it off.
15:51150 miles further into Thailand, Tony and Elaine have already reached the capital.
15:56I wonder if there's a metro in Bangkok?
15:58Well, this is it.
15:59Well, this is over land, not underground.
16:03Bangkok.
16:05The most visited city in the world.
16:08Its grand palaces and temples compete with a vibrant nightlife and bustling street stalls.
16:15We've been up since 4 o'clock discussing every route, every possibility of timings.
16:22You know, we're going out of our way to find the cheapest, quickest.
16:25I don't think we've worked as hard on any other leg as we're working on this leg.
16:31Hold my hand, Elaine.
16:33Aiming to increase their lead, the couple are booking an overnight bus to the coastal town of Crabby.
16:39No time for the beach. We're in a race.
16:42The fact that we can keep moving is absolutely bobby-dazzle.
16:48Can you put these on for me, please?
16:50Oh, my God.
16:52You're 60, not 80.
17:03That's it.
17:04We're on our way to Crabby overnight.
17:07I thought we might have a little pod to sleep in, but we've just got an upright seat.
17:13But it's comfortable, so far.
17:20I'm so not going to like this place.
17:22Darn and Alex have arrived for a shift at a canine training school on the outskirts of Bangkok.
17:29I'm only here because of the money.
17:32OK.
17:33OK.
17:33All right.
17:34With 300,000 stray dogs on the streets of Bangkok, the authorities have been clamping down.
17:40They're going to be on the lead all the time.
17:42And for owners who can afford it, a number of daycare centres have sprung up.
17:46Just look at them.
17:48Look.
17:50The centre offers dog training and walking services for Bangkok's wealthy residents.
17:57We've been stuck on a ship full of drunk and quite violent sailors.
18:02But this is way out of my comfort zone.
18:05We essentially need to do things we're uncomfortable with doing to make it Singapore,
18:10because otherwise, I feel like we've got no chance.
18:13Look.
18:14Got my dog outside of me.
18:15Purely for the money.
18:17Two pounds.
18:18One.
18:19For 45 pounds and a free night's bed and board...
18:23Come on, Pepper.
18:24..the boys will be employed as dog walkers.
18:26Pepper, sit.
18:28I can't believe I'm getting paid for this.
18:30It's literally just walking a dog back and forth, teaching it a couple of tricks on that.
18:34Oi!
18:36Dogs are not my thing.
18:38We don't get on.
18:40I don't particularly like cats either.
18:43I don't feel comfortable around them.
18:45I don't like hamsters either, to be honest.
18:47Hamsters can be quite mean.
18:49But dogs are a little more out on about.
18:51Hamsters are easier to avoid.
18:54I think he's doing well.
18:55I'm proud of him.
18:56Dad?
18:57Coping all right?
18:58How are you feeling?
19:00I've had better days.
19:03Oh, God.
19:05See, it just feels horrible.
19:07You missed a bit.
19:09While Darren and Alex get their hands dirty...
19:14Natalie and Shamima are closing in on the leaders.
19:18We're in Thailand!
19:21Their decision to take a taxi to the border means they're just 250 miles behind Tony and Elaine.
19:29The dream is an overnight bus or train to Bangkok.
19:34The dream is happening right now.
19:36Because I am in Thailand.
19:43Thai food in Thailand.
19:47We're happy.
19:49God, it gets bigger and bigger.
19:51Too much choice.
19:54Thailand is...
19:55It just looks incredible.
19:57I feel like there's so much to do.
20:00But we really want to come first.
20:02It's about winning this leg and just trying to make a decision that gets us from last place to first
20:08place.
20:09The other teams have done that.
20:11So it's possible.
20:12So we want it to be possible for us.
20:19Still in Cambodia...
20:20Two people, one dollar.
20:22One dollar, come on.
20:23Do me a favour.
20:23I've had a really long day.
20:26Josh and Felix have made it to Phnom Penh.
20:30Trying to keep pace with the other teams, the boys race to make an overnight connection to Bangkok.
20:37If we hot-foot it across town, we might well be able to book our passage to Bangkok.
20:43Is this the bus?
20:46This one takes us there to the border at 5am and then 1pm will be in Bangkok.
20:51So quite happy, pretty seamless transition.
20:54Josh is a little bit nervous about the sleeping conditions, but I think it's going to be great.
21:01It's like being in a coffin.
21:05After one day of racing, Josh and Felix are the last team to leave Cambodia.
21:10While Natalie and Shamima are closing in on the Thai capital.
21:15We are on a bus to Bangkok.
21:19Long-term goal achieved in one day.
21:24Still stationary, Darren and Alex are on the outskirts of Bangkok, staying overnight in the free room provided by the
21:32day's dog walking.
21:33Oh!
21:35You're a totally different person now.
21:38Mainly more mature.
21:40Generally speaking, I think we've done pretty well.
21:43I do.
21:44We'll do what we can to get to Singapore.
21:46It's not over till we've got one dollar left.
21:50I've got total faith in you.
21:52Since the race began 47 days ago...
21:56We've got to be at least jogging.
21:58Darren and Alex have gained more than just stamps in their passports.
22:01Alex and I used to be really close.
22:04Without a shadow of a doubt, we have drifted apart.
22:07What do you want to do?
22:08I don't know. At first...
22:09I don't want to sleep outside.
22:11Things were far from plain sailing.
22:13You say you don't want to do that. What do you want to do?
22:15Go out of a clue.
22:16And at times they were pushed almost to breaking point.
22:20Am I allowed to bang his head against the wall on camera?
22:23But as the race gained momentum...
22:25Good morning, Vietnam!
22:27Oh, no, shut up.
22:28..their confidence in each other grew.
22:31Come on, Dad. I'm guessing it's rounding up.
22:34Let's do with it.
22:35We're doing it together and he's been there for me.
22:38More than what he would have done before.
22:39A hug?
22:41HE LAUGHS
22:42Now, just over 1,000 miles stands between them
22:46and the £20,000 first prize.
22:557am.
22:57Tony and Elaine are 723 miles from Singapore
23:01and are currently the closest team to the finish line.
23:05Oh, God almighty.
23:08But 12,000 miles have come at a cost for 61-year-old Tony.
23:14HE SIGHS
23:15Stretch.
23:21After our coach journey down here,
23:24the last thing you want to do is stretch down and twist
23:27and try to put your shoes on.
23:30And that's exactly what I've done this morning.
23:33He's aggravated an old back injury.
23:38Tony and Elaine's race is at a standstill.
23:43During this race, I think the age will be a challenge.
23:46You know, it's a long, long way.
23:50Getting out of bed on the morning, you know, there's a few aches
23:52and things don't quite work the way they used to.
23:56I'm sure we would have found it a lot easier maybe 20, 30 years ago.
24:04Tony's back is bad.
24:05Are you sure?
24:07We will spend the day in the swimming pool, see if we can get Tony's back better.
24:22What I'm trying to do here in this very cold swimming pool, the water's got no heating in, and I
24:28hope that will take some inflammation down on my back.
24:31And I need four or five hours in here today just moving it, and hopefully free it up.
24:39Tony definitely doesn't look in a good way. I'm really concerned about him.
24:44Because when it's like this, it could just go at any time. At the moment, he's moving.
24:50But once it goes for real, he cannot move. That's it. We're out of the race.
24:59Josh and Felix have reached Bangkok.
25:02Hey, man. We're trying to go to Koh Sam Road.
25:06Tickets booked. The boys head off to explore a budget hotspot.
25:10So this is it. Koh Sam Road.
25:12I've never seen so many hareen pants in one place.
25:16Known as the centre of the backpacking universe, the 400-metre-long street is packed full of budget hotels, cafes,
25:24bars and restaurants, filled with travellers from every corner of the world.
25:29Very much the gap year traveller mecca.
25:34Josh and Felix are used to life in each other's pockets.
25:38We're the perfect partnership.
25:40I spend probably eight hours with him a day for the last eight years.
25:45But with their current business, a music and arts venue, coming to an end...
25:49In four months' time, unfortunately, none of this will be here. It'll be knocked down and turned into luxury flats.
25:55We've got two months to decide what our future is.
25:57Their next venture together isn't clear.
26:00I just really want what we build next. I want it to be, like, long-term.
26:04If you want security, then become a teacher or a banker or something.
26:07Why don't we just sit down there and have a beer?
26:08During the boys' trip, there have been bumps in the road.
26:13Such a douchebag sometimes.
26:14Wow!
26:15What?
26:17Why say that?
26:18But with the end of the race fast approaching, what they'll do when they get home is coming into focus.
26:26Both of us are feeling really creative and feeling like we've soaked up so much culture, food, excitement, atmosphere, that
26:33we'll have that energy which we needed to start something fresh.
26:37Travelling through these incredibly, like, different and wonderful environments, like, that's going to bring some completely mad flavour back to
26:44what we do.
26:45I'm excited!
26:46I'm hyped!
26:48Whenever we go away together, there's moments of absolute epiphany.
26:51We want to start a small restaurant which we want to be inspired by this trip and some of the
26:56sight sounds and flavours of the street markets and the drama of food preparation that we've seen.
27:01There's been loads of moments of inspiration.
27:04How can you not be inspired by walking through the back streets of Xi'an or wandering on deck at
27:10midnight on the ship in the Caspian?
27:12I feel so inspired and I've seen people all over the world who work really, really, really hard just to
27:18get by.
27:20One of the things that this journey has really reminded me is that there is magic out there, you just
27:24have to look up from your smartphone to see it.
27:29The train information desk.
27:32Across the city at Bangkok train station...
27:35Which way is the quickest to Malaysia?
27:38Natalie and Shamima hatch a plan to overtake their rivals.
27:42Right, get a train from here to Surat Thani, then you're eight hours away from the border.
27:49They've secured a cheap ticket for a fast train down the east coast of Thailand to Surat Thani.
27:56Josh and Felix are boarding an overnight bus to Krabby.
28:01Following the same route as Darn and Alex who departed only an hour earlier.
28:06All three teams are eating into Tony and Elaine's lead as they've been unable to move since this morning.
28:17An afternoon in the pool seems to have worked wonders on Tony's bad back.
28:23He's keen not to stiffen up and decides to self-medicate.
28:27Three shots.
28:30Go, go, go, go!
28:33I'm a fiend for a big dirty baseline.
28:35When I hear one, I have a great time.
28:37Tony's emceeing.
28:41I've never downed a shot in my life.
28:45However...
28:45Did you get this bottle of vodka?
28:52Cheers!
28:58What this race has taught me is actually I need to explore and visit places and be on the move
29:05and see things before it's too late.
29:07Because that is what makes me really happy.
29:13The beer pong game is really complicated.
29:17It's a really good drinking game.
29:23I just gave my last drink to Tony because I've got to get up at five.
29:28I've got to be out of here by six and it ain't gonna happen if I have too many of
29:31those vodka things.
29:32I'm going to be very sensible because I'm in a race.
29:38How are you gonna feel as it's come into being all over?
29:41Yeah, it'll be difficult because it's become a way of life.
29:44Quite an appealing way of life.
29:46I know, that's what I'm not here thinking about.
29:48And I've got really mixed emotions about it all.
29:51I know.
29:51I'm not sure I'm ready to go back to life.
29:54I think I want to carry on.
30:07As dawn breaks, Natalie and Shamima's overnight train has arrived in Surat Thani.
30:14We can check out the train station now and then later we can check the buses.
30:19Known in Thai as the city of good people, it's the main jumping off point for travellers heading to some
30:25of Thailand's more famous islands.
30:28The town also has great transport links to the Malaysian border.
30:33So we've just got to Surat Thani after, I think it's, let me, 13 hours in the shrine.
30:40Is it been 13 hours?
30:41Yeah, I didn't sleep at all.
30:44Before we make ourselves exhausted, we need to rest so we can get back on the race.
30:49So it's nice to be able to spend a bit of time here.
30:52The girls head to the tranquility of a local temple.
30:57When you're doing a journey like this, you can't help but reflect on your day or your life.
31:10About six years ago now, I got hit by a car on the way to work and I nearly died.
31:20So that's why I decided to go away.
31:26Travelling has meant to me that I have been able to just appreciate the world and appreciate people.
31:35Can I hug you?
31:37And I can just look at this amazing thing we've done.
31:42All the different parts of this journey where we've made connections with people, had amazing times.
31:49Do you have any euros?
31:50We've got tickets to Thessaloniki.
31:54Where's your shoes?
31:58Do you want this?
32:00We can just pocket that.
32:03And when I'm feeling down, there'll be my flashes of,
32:07you're quite badass.
32:1595 miles west, Krabi bus station.
32:20Dhan and Alex have just arrived on the overnight bus from Bangkok.
32:27Don't you sat there?
32:34We're obviously now going to be buying onward tickets.
32:38Tony.
32:40Just get in.
32:41What are you doing stuck out there?
32:44Do you like all this cloak and dagger stuff?
32:47Forty odd years of marriage and I didn't realise you were so sneaky.
32:53Everyone has the potential.
32:59She should be in the MI5.
33:03Through the bushes.
33:06Behind the van.
33:08And now she's hiding behind the blue bus.
33:11Despite her covert mission,
33:14Elaine is spotted by Alex.
33:16Oh, look who the race.
33:19Hello.
33:21How are you?
33:22I'm all right, you?
33:23Good to see you.
33:25Hello.
33:26How are you?
33:26Did you go through Phnom Penh?
33:28Or did you go the coastal way?
33:31We went through Phnom Penh.
33:33You went through Phnom Penh?
33:35Wow.
33:36How long have you been here?
33:38At this stage in the game, Ali and Darren.
33:44And next time I won't tell you anything?
33:45Well, I've heard him telling him a load of things that we haven't done,
33:49so I'd rather not lie.
33:50You've just told him stuff.
33:52Yeah.
33:52Which is a load of lies.
33:56You can't kid her, kid her, it's the same.
33:58She just said there are a load of lies.
34:01We're tactical now.
34:05I hope this is coming in here.
34:08Well, good luck.
34:11See you later.
34:12Yeah.
34:13Tony and Elaine board their coach to the border town of Hat Yai.
34:19Alex, I was so disappointed when I wouldn't tell him our route and stuff like that.
34:26I'm like, oh, I just felt really bad.
34:32It's horrible.
34:33It's not right.
34:35With the finishing line in sight, the pressure of the competition is hitting Alex hard.
34:41You're like, oh, we can't say anything.
34:43Oh, we'll keep it quiet.
34:45I don't want to lie.
34:46Well, they haven't been like that before, so they've changed.
34:50It's ridiculous.
34:51Alex.
34:53Just leave me alone.
34:55Let's go and enjoy the beach.
35:01With three hours to spare before their coach to Hat Yai departs, Darn takes Alex for some time out.
35:09It's pretty cool place to spend some time, isn't it?
35:12Yeah.
35:14I'd love to visit all the islands.
35:16Oh, not all of them, but some of them.
35:18So would I.
35:21You never know.
35:22Might be back here next year.
35:25Maybe.
35:26Jumping on a boat.
35:27Exploring these islands together.
35:29I'd love to.
35:30You never know, do you?
35:34I am really, really proud of what you've achieved.
35:38You've done some amazing things.
35:39Proud of what we've achieved together.
35:41Yeah.
35:42But there's been times when I've struggled or there's been times when you've just upped your game big time.
35:48And I'm really proud of you for doing that.
35:51I probably don't tell you enough, but you know I love you to bits.
35:55I love you too.
35:58I can't believe you're coming to an end.
36:00I know, it's just going to be sad, isn't it?
36:01Yeah, it is quite sad.
36:03And then when they go back, it's going to feel really, really weird being on my own.
36:07It's like, I want what to do with myself.
36:12I would be gutted if I don't go first.
36:16I want my hug even if I don't.
36:24But the only need...
36:25Sorry.
36:25Was the only need...
36:26Oh, I'm as bad now if it were a leaf.
36:28Try and keep driving.
36:29I know, I'm sorry.
36:30I freaked out because it must be a carnivorous leaf.
36:34Oh, it's coming for you now, Alex.
36:37Go, I've got my passport on that in it.
36:40Right.
36:42Let's get on with the race.
36:49A third team arrive in Krabby.
36:52Budget is not so much dripping away as pouring away.
36:57About $118 to get from Krabby to Singapore, which is about $18 for food.
37:05Accommodation for the next three days.
37:09Josh and Felix are running on empty.
37:12Night of discomfort, dawn of happiness.
37:16Lack of food and money means they'll need to work to reach Singapore.
37:22Through the jobs directory, they've secured some manual labour at a beachside hostel.
37:28Is that now?
37:29Yes, please.
37:30In the heat of the midday sun, their job, re-level the floor of the beach bar in exchange for
37:37free food.
37:38Very hard to carry.
37:42You're looking thinner than you were before you set off.
37:44Yeah, I haven't eaten for like four days, mate.
37:46Neither have you.
37:50It's good to be able to earn our key.
37:55This is digging for victory.
38:08Now we've got some food.
38:10This is the best thing that's happened to me in days.
38:12Mmm.
38:13Mmm.
38:17Shift over, stomachs filled and batteries recharged, Josh and Felix get back to the race.
38:23Why are we leaving?
38:27With their noses back in front, 180 miles away, Tony and Elaine have made it to the border town of
38:33Hat Yai.
38:36A major jumping off point for travellers heading to and from Malaysia.
38:40Senior port.
38:42They're aiming for a direct connection to the finish line, 550 miles away.
38:48No, today?
38:50Yeah.
38:52Two persons.
38:54With only limited buses each day, tickets sell out fast.
39:05Six o'clock.
39:06Six o'clock.
39:07That's good.
39:08That's good.
39:08Perfect.
39:10Oh, that is such a relief.
39:14I thought there'd be no tickets.
39:20They've managed to get the only remaining tickets on the last direct bus to Singapore.
39:29Utterly beside myself getting on the last, last big transport we're going to ever get on to finish this race.
39:36How good is that?
39:42Here we go to the border.
39:46When we started the race, we didn't have much hope of finishing in too high a position.
39:53And now we have a really good chance of doing ourselves proud and anybody over 60 proud, you know,
40:02because we are in with a shout of actually winning it.
40:09How are you?
40:11Quickly?
40:12But hot on their heels, it's Darn and Alex.
40:18Learning there's no direct bus to Singapore, they have to settle for the next quickest option.
40:23A fast bus via the Malaysian capital.
40:27To Kuala Lumpur tonight?
40:29No, no.
40:30Now? Set off now?
40:31Leaving right away.
40:33How much?
40:35We really, really need this connection.
40:39Hopefully we've got something and got enough money.
40:44600.
40:46For two tickets?
40:49For two tickets, how much more do I need? 50?
40:52Keep on up.
40:54We have 520.
40:55Y and Z?
40:56And 20.
40:57I've got them.
41:05We've got a connection.
41:07Wow, that was intense.
41:09We knew where we were going to, Biz.
41:11Can't believe we made that connection.
41:13Good call about grabbing the bags and I run in here.
41:17Yep.
41:17That's a game changer.
41:21Front runners Darn and Alex and Tony and Elaine are racing the length of Malaysia.
41:28Further north, Josh and Felix.
41:30Kuala Lumpur.
41:31And Natalie and Shamima are trying to make their connections.
41:34We want to go to Kuala Lumpur?
41:36Yes, please.
41:41That's it? That's the last train?
41:42Yeah.
41:43Stranded in Hat Yai, the two teams have fallen even further behind the race leaders,
41:49who are fast approaching Kuala Lumpur, the last capital before the finish line.
41:55200 miles from Singapore and a significant bump in the road for Tony and Elaine.
42:05Oh, you are joking.
42:07The bus has broken down.
42:13My back's worse.
42:15This is just exactly what I feared, really.
42:22The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
42:24220 miles from the finish line.
42:28To Singapore Beach Road, two tickets.
42:31Please.
42:33Darn and Alex are booking their final connection.
42:37We've got tickets.
42:42We've now got to change coaches.
42:46Yeah. Great.
42:51Is it this one? Yeah.
42:53Yeah, yeah.
42:58Whatever lead we had has now been lost.
43:04They'll be going faster, they won't be having as many stops.
43:08We haven't got that speed.
43:10Of course we have.
43:12We don't really, not with you as you are, Tony.
43:31Singapore.
43:33The furthest point from London accessible by road and rail.
43:36It normally costs between 800 to 1500 pounds to fly here.
43:42But without taking a single flight, the first of our teams who have travelled over 12,000 miles in 50
43:49days are just arriving on the outskirts of the city.
43:52The 20,000 pound prize awaits the winning team.
43:57Taxi to Singapore.
44:00Where are you going to this?
44:02Just to the centre.
44:05Lying one degree north of the equator, the island city-state of Singapore.
44:125.6 million residents are squeezed into this former British colony made up of just 278 square miles, half the
44:21size of London.
44:24In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles founded Colonial Singapore as a trading post of the British East India Company.
44:31And it has developed into a hub for finance, technology and innovation.
44:38If you see an old man and a young boy carrying rucksacks, just mow them down for us.
44:44Yeah, they're our rivals.
44:47Today, Singapore is generally considered to be the most expensive city in the world.
44:52This is it, Dad. Singapore, this is the moment.
44:54Final destination.
44:55Oh, I'm excited!
45:02Final checkpoint.
45:03Let's do this.
45:04Alex.
45:05Let's do it.
45:06Keep focused.
45:07Go.
45:07Go.
45:10We're racing close to the checkpoint, but we've still got to be aware of money.
45:14We don't know what else is going to happen.
45:16We may not even have enough to get us there.
45:23It could be in that taxi in front now.
45:25I just don't know anymore.
45:27At the mouth of the Singapore River stands the country's national symbol, the Merlion statue.
45:36Thank you so much.
45:39A mythical sea creature made up of a lion's head and a fish's body.
45:46Here it is.
45:47A Merlion.
45:49Literally.
45:51Right, let's have a look.
45:53Tony and Elaine receive details of their final destination on their GPS tracker.
45:58Proceed on foot over the Jubilee Bridge.
46:02Past the grandstand, which is over there, to the checkpoint of the Marina Bay Sands Tower
46:091.
46:10And could that be where that boat is on top of that?
46:13That'd be awesome.
46:15The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is the final checkpoint.
46:19Built in 2010, it boasts three hotel towers, 2,500 rooms, and today, a £20,000 prize awaits the winners.
46:31Don't you do your backing. We said we'd go steady.
46:34We said we'd go steady.
46:38Don't go too fast, Alex. You burn out, then.
46:40I know, but...
46:42It's tough.
46:51Oh, they're there. Look at the lion.
46:54Can you see them?
46:55Yeah, I can see them.
46:56Shift your butt, come on.
46:58Are you sure?
46:59I think it's them.
47:00Oh, Tony!
47:03Yeah, they're on the bridge.
47:05Then we can ask. Just keep moving.
47:07I'm moving!
47:08I'm moving!
47:14I'm moving!
47:16I'm digging deep for the finish line.
47:18Right now.
47:20Catch my breath.
47:22Come on, Alex.
47:23Keep the pace up.
47:25Right there.
47:27I'm touching distance.
47:29Tony!
47:30Tony!
47:31Checking's here!
47:36Hello there.
47:38This is for us.
47:39Yes.
47:43The finishing line.
47:45Is that the mast on the observation desk?
47:46Where's the observation deck?
47:50The finish line and the £20,000 prize is now only a lift ride away.
47:56But there is one final hurdle.
47:59Entrance to the observation deck costs 23 Singapore dollars each.
48:08Observation deck?
48:09How many tickets do you have?
48:10Oh, just two.
48:1123 dollars.
48:12U.S. dollars.
48:13Singapore dollars.
48:14We only have U.S. dollars.
48:16We're 70 Singapore dollars.
48:17Oh, no.
48:18You're kidding me.
48:19I told you.
48:20Which make them change?
48:22Where?
48:23Just upstairs.
48:23Goes, take the escalator and turn around.
48:26Jesus.
48:28Watch them come down as we go up.
48:31Oh, just shut up, Tony.
48:32Just get their bloody money changed.
48:35Alex, it says this way.
48:37Hotel here.
48:44Oh, my God, they're there.
48:48No, they're not.
48:50How about the bloody sitting up there having a beer?
48:52Having a beer.
48:53Hang on.
48:55Have two, please.
48:56Yes.
48:59Oh, we've got change.
49:00Yeah.
49:08Darren and Alex are going to be there.
49:10Yes.
49:10And if they're there...
49:12We've just got to congratulate them.
49:13Well done.
49:14Absolutely fantastic.
49:17You've come all this way.
49:1850 days.
49:20Blood.
49:20Sweat.
49:21Tiggers.
49:2220k could be up there right now.
49:24Just get there, Alex.
49:28The Marina Bay Sands observation deck soars 57 levels above the heart of Singapore, boasting
49:35spectacular views of the entire city.
49:39There it is.
49:39The famous book.
49:41Oh, the book!
49:52Are you ready?
49:53Do it.
49:53Do it together.
49:54Are you ready?
49:55Oh, Jesus.
50:08Yes.
50:10Oh, my God.
50:13Oh, my God.
50:16Oh, my God.
50:18Yes.
50:19Yes!
50:20Oh, my God.
50:21I'm so sorry.
50:23You don't sound brilliant.
50:25I know.
50:26I knew it.
50:30I knew it.
50:34It's surreal, isn't it?
50:36It's surreal.
50:37It's like Leicester winning the Premiership.
50:41I'm feeling ecstatic.
50:44Totally elated.
50:45Yeah.
50:46We're the oldest team in the competition by far.
50:49First place.
50:50Down in one.
50:51And the pensioners, we are OAPs.
50:54We've beaten all these youngsters.
50:56How that has happened, I'm not quite sure.
50:59Oh, that's nice.
51:05Well done, Tony and Elaine.
51:10Actually doing this experience and doing this journey,
51:12I've seen a lot, I've done a lot.
51:14I've learned a lot about my dad along the way.
51:16And that's the main thing, really.
51:18And the fact that we did it, we did London to Singapore.
51:21I'm happy.
51:23Look where we are.
51:25We made it.
51:26After 50 days.
51:29We've had a fantastic time together.
51:31We've bonded more than he was really expected.
51:35Definitely.
51:36Ultimately, we're a success.
51:39What we've seen and what we've done along the way is priceless.
51:43Before this journey, we were a strange father and son, really.
51:48Now we are father and son, and we will always be that.
51:51But I think now we are friends as well.
51:54Give him a hug.
52:00Oh, finally.
52:01Well done.
52:02What an amazing journey it's been.
52:05What a phenomenal time we've had together.
52:07I won't change it at all.
52:17Look who's here.
52:19Hey.
52:21Congratulations.
52:21Well done.
52:22Proud of you, my boy.
52:23Proud of you.
52:24No, I'm proud of you.
52:25Look at us all.
52:25All York's folks here.
52:27Look he's stronger.
52:29Yeah.
52:29I said all along, you'd be my favourite second.
52:33Yeah.
52:34It just, we happened to be second.
52:35And now you're my favourite second.
52:38When Tony opened the book and it was blank, I was like, oh, yes.
52:43Yeah, the oldies did it.
52:45When a Yorkshireman's got a chance to win money.
52:47I know.
52:48I'll tell you what.
52:49He'll do anything, won't he?
52:51You beat us.
52:52Yeah.
52:52Well done.
52:53I'm happy for you.
52:54We've done London and Singapore.
52:56Yeah.
52:56Look at that accomplishment.
52:58Look at it.
52:59Look at it.
52:59What an incredible city.
53:01It's amazing.
53:04One hell of a race.
53:06Exactly.
53:07One hell of a race.
53:08It is good.
53:16After 51 days, the end is also in sight for the two remaining teams.
53:22Tower one, tower one.
53:23Still unaware of their place in the race, next to reach the observation deck, Natalie and
53:29Shamima.
53:3056.
53:41We made it.
53:42We made it.
53:43We made it.
53:45We made it.
53:53Natalie, we're not last.
53:55And we made it before Josh and Felix.
53:57It's all good.
53:59It's all good.
54:03It's over.
54:12I can't stop thinking about my children.
54:13They'll just be so amazed if I wouldn't make it out of London.
54:22I've always wanted to be like a role model to them to show them that there's nothing
54:24they can't do and I know that that's what that's what they're going to take away from
54:28this that their mum was able to come from London to Singapore without a single flight
54:32with sixty dollars left in our pocket
54:40we made it before George and Felix oh my god let's go and get a drink
54:49thank you
55:01how much is one ticket we've only got six we have three dollars no we have six dollars
55:09and 20 us we have 20 us you have to find your money to achieve find it we've come all
55:17this
55:17way and I haven't asked anyone for a dollar so I'm not going to start now
55:23but for Josh and Felix the finishing line looks like it's just out of reach
55:31we slogged our guts out think about how what a wonderful achievement it was to spend seven
55:37weeks traveling halfway across the world seeing the land change the people change
55:40like how what a privilege it was we worked really really really hard to get to this point to get
55:46to Singapore and it just feels a little bit galling to get all the way here to the foot of
55:52the
55:52checkpoint and be denied access
56:01but help from above what are they doing might be at hand
56:09our strategy through the race was to rely on the kindness of strangers how are you guys doing
56:15very good every step that we took so many people that have helped us why didn't you pay to come
56:21up
56:21the lift we only have 23 dollars you've only got 23 dollars we actually got to singapore with 140
56:30golly so i think it's really important to finish it
56:36yeah thank you so much no it's not about thank you like it's important to finish it we all have
56:41to
56:41everyone who's been through the 51 days of this journey has to finish has to go in and has to
56:45sign
56:46that book and have that moment yeah have that moment i don't know why i was shaking your hair
56:51we both believe what we put out is what you'll get back
56:57cool all right come on let's all go
57:04thanks guys
57:09all right there's your book sweet all right thanks girls couldn't have done it without you
57:19turning lane one oh well done tony in the lane yes i'm so happy
57:26no mate well done
57:33let's need a beer somebody's got to cross the line first in a race like this but i think it's
57:41a
57:42win-win situation for everybody the race we've been on really has changed our lives we're about to cross
57:49the world yeah come on shoot woman possessed in station we've never experienced anything like this
57:59we have seen places we would never ever have visited whets your appetite yeah it's changed us
58:06being married 40 years has seen us through some difficult moments a crazy wacky whoopie place
58:15for the next five years whilst we're still able go and do a bit more we could get used to
58:21this
58:29so
58:41so
58:43so