Race Across the World's final has sneaked up on us as it airs on BBC next week, so what can we expect as we head towards the final? There's going to be drama, tears, spending, and of course racing.
Just 12 minutes separate leaders Alfie and Owen from Eugenie and Isabel who came in second place at the checkpoint on Wednesday's penultimate episode. However, as every fan knows, just one transport disaster or budget dilemma and it can completely change the order of the race.
The penultimate episode was packed with drama that viewers couldn't turn away from. We saw Eugenie and Isabel stealing a taxi from Stephen and Viv as well as James sobbing as Betty revealed her health condition.
Where is the final checkpoint?
The last four teams were tested to the limit when they raced through Sumatra where locals spoke limited or zero English, transport was different and it was remote. Brydie and Sharon were eliminated after episode four, meaning they would be unable to complete the trek. It's all to play for with the remaining four teams racing towards the finish line.
Having made it almost 14,000 kilometres over seven weeks and through seven countries, the finish line looms at an idyllic Indonesian island paradise Lombok. The four teams raced across Eastern Asia, although Race Across the World couldn't go through China.
They must now race from Jakarta to Lombok. The teams can only reach Lombok from the neighbouring island of Bali. To get to Bali, they have to go the whole way of Java. Every decision counts in the final.
How does the Race Across the World final work?
When the pairs reach Lombok, they will be given a set of vague directions to the final checkpoint hotel and they must find out where it is. At this point, everyone will be running with their huge rucksacks on their backs.
The first pair to sign the iconic Race Across the World book with their names and time of arrival will win the race. All the teams can cross the finish line, as long as they have the funds to do so. Sometimes Race Across the World contestants run out of money along the way, meaning they will not be able to complete the journey.
What is the prize fund?
The winning pair will bank a £20,000 prize fund to share between them. Plus, they will have the envy=inducing title of Race Across the World winners.
All of the contestants competing though will have been rewarded with the amazing memories they have made along the way. While Race Across the World is tough, it has been incredibly rewarding too in terms of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the stunning places they have been able to visit.
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What can we expect from Race Across the World's final?
Wow the final looked exciting as Race Across the World fans got a sneak peek on Wednesday.
The race has never been closer as leaders Alfie and Owen are only 12 minutes ahead of Eugenie and Isabel. Alfie admits in the preview: "It's going to be so close. This will be minutes."
Racing
Alfie has always been spurred on by the race and determined to win. The youngster explains his reasons behind why he wanted to win. He says: "The motivation behind winning isn't the money... The motivation behind winning is winning."
There may even be a speedboat race in store with the contestants are seen speeding along the waves in boats. On the boat, Alfie says: "Everything comes down to this." And of course, expect lots of running. James and Betty run across a beach as the race intensifies. The brother says: "From the outset, I wanted to win. Everything is still to play for."
Budget
Expect the Race Across the World stars to be frivolous with their money. Stephen and Viv have previously been fierce contenders in the race but they fell slightly behind in the penultimate leg. Having saved where possible, the retired married couple now have the biggest budget out of everyone.
They vow to do everything they could to catch up by splashing the cash. Previously Stephen in the race has said that cheaper is better but now the final is here he is ready to spend the money. He says: "We know we've got some spare budget. We're determined to make use of it. To buy distance, to buy time."
Tears
Expect tears as emotions will be running high. Eugenie is seen wiping away tears in the teaser for the finale. She shares her hopes of winning saying: "I'm praying for it, I'm believing it's going to happen. if it's god's will ill be winning the race."
Watch the Race Across the World final on BBC1 at 9pm on Wednesday. Catch up on previous episodes on BBC iPlayer.
