As the third season of Celebrity Race Across the World draws to a close, Emma Hide says the show offers Christians some important lessons in doing life with Christ. The final destination is important, she says, but journeying with Jesus is what really changes us
As Celebrity Race Across the World (RATW) returned for its third season, we’ve been treated to some refreshingly wholesome reality TV. The premise is simple but gruelling: travel 5,900 kilometres across the Caribbean and Central America with no phone, bank card or certainty about where you’ll sleep.
The race has taken us to friendly Caribbean towns and through Costa Rica’s remarkable archipelago communities but, as ever, the scenery is simply the backdrop to a deeply human journey. As the race has unfolded, we’ve witnessed life-changing realisations, reconciliation and transformation.
In many ways, this echoes the transformative journey of Christian discipleship - being with Jesus, becoming like him and learning to live as he did - and finding our heart, character and relationships transformed in the process.
So, what can we learn from our racing duos?
Surrendering control
The race demands the kind of trust most of us resist. No plans, certainty or safety net. Each day begins with unanswered questions: How will we eat or travel? Where will we sleep?
TV presenter Roman Kemp, travelling with his sister Harleymoon, has a history of panic attacks. As he’s forced to make decisions with uncertain consequences, he wrestles with anxiety. Broadcaster Anita Rani, who has teamed up with her dad, Bal, just can’t stop doing everything herself.
Yet over time, something shifts. Roman grows in confidence. Anita learns to trust her dad to share the load. When competitors release control and reach out for help, the race opens up into something freer, lighter and more life-giving, even when things don’t go to plan.
Their journey mirrors our own struggle with surrender as Christians: an age-old choice between self-reliance or trust in God’s ways, timings and plans (see Genesis 3). Like the racers, we discover that freedom is found not in control, but in letting go and embracing our need for grace.
Overcoming limits
RATW also reminds us of our common humanity. Every contestant faces personal challenges that threaten to limit their journey. Actor Dylan Llewellyn and mum Jackie’s timidity keep them from approaching strangers for help. Instead, they opt for more familiar but expensive transport options and meals. Anita’s dad Raj has doubts about being too old and unfit.
Yet as the race stretches them, those limits loosen. Dylan and Jackie start confidently asking strangers for help. Bal, while tired, leans on Anita and fulfils his lifelong dream of travelling after sacrificing so much for his family.
Watching people step beyond what they thought possible is profoundly moving. Scripture reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Like the contestants, we can do far more than we ever thought possible when we step out in faith.
Reconciling differences
Perhaps the most touching part of RATW is seeing how relationships evolve. Roman and Harleymoon begin to understand each other better as they talk honestly and openly about Roman’s mental health. Roman no longer feels dismissed and Harleymoon feels encouraged by how her brother looks up to her. Their friendship deepens.
Freedom is found not in control, but in letting go and embracing our need for grace
Dylan and Jackie open up about the devastating loss of their son and brother (James), finding moments of peace and release together during their grief. Dylan shares how he’s running the race for James, and they support one another to step outside their comfort zones. Their growing bond is beautiful to watch.
It’s a powerful reminder of the reconciliation we are called to live out as Christians, marked by courageous vulnerability, honesty, forgiveness and compassion.
Rejoicing in the journey
Slowly, the teams learn that the race is not just about speed, but about how they travel. Even setbacks become moments of unexpected gifts.
When food poisoning halts actor and singer Molly Rainford and her partner, DJ Tyler West, they find joy in resting beside a volcanic lake in El Salvador. As Anita and Bal take some respite, camping on top of Conchagua volcano, father and daughter open up like never before.
Like the contestants, we can do far more than we ever thought possible when we step out in faith
These moments remind us that life is not just about what we do. God desires for us to “rejoice always”, experiencing wonder, joy and rest within the journey, not only at the destination.
Beneath the competition and adventure, RATW offers us a challenge: to trust more deeply, love more radically and live more freely. It shows us that transformation rarely comes through comfort, but through surrender, vulnerability, community, faith and grace.
Jesus offers us all the adventure of a lifetime - whether we’re globetrotters, bedbound or somewhere in between. The question is: Are we willing to run the race?
Celebrity Race Across the World is available now on BBC iPlayer
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