On your MARKS!

We meet the competitors getting set for a fast-paced trip across Asia

- CAREN CLARK

RACE ACROSS THE WORLD NEW WED, 9PM, BBC1 REALITY

An epic trek from the majestic Great Wall of China to the stunning southern tip of India awaits the new group of adventurers taking part in Race Across the World.

In the fifth run of BBC1's competition, the five pairs of contestants are ditching their mobile phones, internet access and bank cards to begin a 14,000km journey across Asia without using air travel.

Using a budget of only £1,140 per person, which they can supplement by taking on jobs along the way, the teams will be dashing across China and Nepal before hotfooting it down through India in a bid to be the first to reach the final checkpoint at Kanniyakumari and claim the £20,000 prize.

TV Times chatted to the daring duos to learn more about their expedition...

YIN & GAZ

FORMER MARRIED COUPLE

Data manager Yin and sales director Gaz, both 54, were together for over 30 years before splitting but hope their friendship will see them through the race.

YIN 'After our marriage break-up, I had a partner for three years, but when he died suddenly, I went to a dark place. I needed to live again and I wanted to do this with Gaz because he'd supported me. Without devices or distractions, we were more present, and Gaz and I had some honest conversations. And the generosity of people we met was unsurpassed. It puts your own life into perspective.'

GAZ 'I'd done a lot of travelling when I was younger but that was 30-odd years ago, so I was excited to travel again and be tested. At first, it was hard switching off from work and missing the news and football results! But it was refreshing.