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Race Across the World Stars Unite for Great Manchester Run in Memory of Sam Gardiner

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Participants from every series of BBC's Race Across the World will take part in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday in memory of

Race Across the World Stars Unite for Great Manchester Run in Memory of Sam Gardiner

A Tribute Born from Tragedy

This Sunday, the streets of Manchester will witness a unique gathering as contestants from every series of BBC’s Race Across the World lace up their running shoes for the Great Manchester Run 10K. Their mission: to honour the memory of Sam Gardiner, the beloved 24-year-old former contestant who died in a car crash in May 2025.

Sam, who appeared on the show’s second series in 2020 alongside his mother Jo, captured the nation’s heart with his infectious optimism and adventurous spirit. The mother-son duo journeyed from Mexico City to Argentina, dropping out in episode seven when their funds ran dry, but not before becoming fan favourites. Tragically, Sam lost his life on May 29 last year following a single-vehicle crash on the A34 near Manchester. An investigation later revealed his vehicle had insufficient tyre tread.

Now, led by series two winners Emon and Jamiul Choudhury, a star-studded team of racers from all six seasons will take on the 10K course to raise funds for The Christie Charity – a cause close to Sam’s family. Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, Emon Choudhury shared the emotional impetus behind the run: “It was actually yesterday, last year, that we found out that he passed away. It hit us all hard... I just wanted to do something for him, I guess.”

From Checkpoints to the Starting Line

The run, scheduled for Sunday June 1, will see participants from season one’s Darron Speck through to season six’s Jo Diop and Kush Burman, alongside Manchester siblings Katie and Harrison Devine. Emon, who now lives in Blackburn, described the gathering as a “star-studded cast” from the show, adding that he managed to unite racers from all six series for the first time since the programme began.

Harrison Devine, who appeared in the most recent series with his sister Katie, told the Manchester Evening News that the decision to join was immediate. “I was a massive fan of the show before going on it myself,” he said. “I vividly remember Sam and the relationship with his mum and how amazing they were... when I got the call from Emon, it was a no-brainer.” Devine and his sister finished third in the latest series, which was won by childhood best friends Jo Diop and Kush Burman.

A Community United by Grief and Gratitude

The Shared Experience of a Unique Show

For the contestants, the bond forged during Race Across the World is unlike any other. The show, which sees pairs travel across continents on a limited budget with no phones or GPS, creates intense camaraderie even among competitors. Emon recalled how the teams would “let it all loose” at checkpoints, sharing the highs and lows of their gruelling journeys.

Sam’s mother Jo has been at the centre of the tributes. Since his passing, she has raised thousands for charity, and an episode of the most recent series was dedicated to Sam’s memory. The Great Manchester Run is the latest – and largest – collective tribute. Emon, who has previously run both the London and Manchester Marathons, emphasised the importance of keeping Sam’s spirit alive: “Sam had such an incredible outlook and was someone you could always count on to bring the positive vibes,” he said in a statement to the Manchester Evening News.

From Reality TV to Real-Life Community

The run also highlights a broader trend: the enduring emotional investment of reality TV contestants in each other’s lives long after the cameras stop rolling. Unlike many competitive shows that foster rivalry, Race Across the World has built a reputation for mutual respect and support. That culture was on full display when Emon and Jamiul won their series in 2020, and it continues to resonate today.

The tragedy has also drawn attention to road safety. The crash that killed Sam was caused by insufficient tyre tread, a factor that campaigners say is preventable. Some fans have called for stricter vehicle checks, while others have simply expressed gratitude for the way the Race Across the World family has rallied around Sam’s memory.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy and Healing

What This Changes for the Show and Its Fans

For the BBC show, the run represents a symbolic closure for a community that lost one of its brightest stars. But it also underscores Race Across the World’s unique position in reality TV. Unlike high-drama competition shows, the program is known for celebrating human endurance, kindness, and cross-cultural connection. Sam’s story – a young man travelling with his mother, overcoming language barriers and exhaustion – embodied that ethos.

Fans have responded warmly. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the runners, and donations to The Christie Charity have increased. The event also coincides with the one-year anniversary of Sam’s death, adding an extra layer of poignancy.

A Broader Implication: Reality TV as a Support Network

The coordinated tribute hints at a larger shift in how reality TV participants interact post-show. With social media enabling sustained connections, many former contestants have formed networks that extend beyond the screen. In an era where mental health and community support are increasingly prioritised, the Race Across the World cast’s response could serve as a model for other shows.

Emon Choudhury acknowledged the challenge of bringing everyone together but insisted it was worth it. “I managed to get a star-studded cast from all seasons one to six,” he said. “It’s the first time we’ll all be together like this.” For Sam’s family, that unity has been a source of comfort. For the runners, it’s a chance to honour a friend who left too soon.

The Running Order: Who’s Taking Part?

A Full Roster of Racers

Confirmed participants include:

The run starts at 9:30 AM on Sunday June 1, with the 10K route winding through Manchester city centre. The Christie Charity supports cancer patients across the North West, and donations can still be made via the team’s fundraising page.

Sam’s Journey on Screen

For those unfamiliar with Sam Gardiner, his time on Race Across the World was marked by warmth and determination. In one memorable scene, he and his mother collected turtle eggs in El Salvador. In another, they sandboarded in the desert oasis of Huacachina. Their elimination in episode seven was emotional, but their legacy endured. “He was one of life’s adventurers,” his family said in a statement after his death.

Community and Catharsis

Why the Run Matters

The Great Manchester Run is not just a sporting event; for this group, it is a cathartic act of remembrance. Emon put it simply: “We experienced such a magical race with him... I just wanted to do something for him.” That sentiment has resonated deeply with the show’s audience, many of whom followed Sam and Jo’s journey in 2020.

Harrison Devine, who joined the tribute despite having never met Sam in person, explained: “I was a massive fan before going on the show myself. Sam and his mum were one of the most inspiring stories to watch.” His participation reflects how Sam’s impact transcended the series he appeared in.

The Role of Sport in Healing

Running has long been used as a tool for processing grief. For the Race Across the World alumni, the 10K offers a tangible way to channel their sorrow into action. Emon, an avid Park Run participant, believes the physical challenge mirrors the mental resilience the show demands. “When you run, you think. And when you think, you remember,” he said.

The event also shines a light on The Christie Charity, which provides specialist care and research funding. Sam’s family have been vocal supporters of the charity since his passing, and the run is expected to raise significant funds.

Looking Forward

A Lasting Tribute

As the runners prepare to take their marks on Sunday, the memory of Sam Gardiner will be carried on every step. For his mother Jo, who has shown remarkable strength over the past year, the outpouring of support has been a lifeline. For the Race Across the World community, it is a reminder that the bonds formed on the road do not end at the finish line.

In a world where reality TV often sells conflict and drama, Race Across the World has quietly built a different kind of legacy: one of mutual respect, enduring friendship, and, when tragedy strikes, unwavering support. Sunday’s run will be a testament to that spirit.

The Great Manchester Run 10K takes place on June 1, 2026. Donations to The Christie Charity in memory of Sam Gardiner can be made via the official fundraising page.

For more stories about community resilience and inspiring tributes, read our feature on Netflix June 2026 Lineup: J.Lo Rom-Com, World Cup Comedy and Oscar Gems.

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