If we had to sum up what Race Across the World: The Experience is in just a few words, we’d probably say it’s a team-led, puzzle-filled city adventure. But that’s not very catchy, is it?
Now available in 6 locations across 5 UK cities, each Race Across the World: The Experience is an official live experience of the hit TV show. But distilling something as beloved as a head-to-head race across continents into a 2-3 hour city experience is no mean feat, and it does leave a bit of room for confusion sometimes.
After all, something as dynamic and exciting as a live adventure on real city streets involves so much more than just getting from A to B.
As the creators of the experience, we’re the experts when it comes to logistics and how the race works, so we’re always happy to dispel a few myths that crop up here and there.
Here are just 6 common misconceptions about Race Across the World: The Experience to help you learn more about the adventures that lie ahead…
Myth 1: All Race Across the World Experiences Are The Same
Let’s get a big one out of the way early: no, all Race Across the World Experiences are unique to the city they unfold in.
Like we said at the start, Race Across the World: The Experience is now available in the City of London, London’s West End, Manchester, York, Edinburgh and Bristol, and all of these races are entirely their own.
The format of Race Across the World: The Experience doesn’t change from city to city, meaning the rules of the game and how the game works stays the same no matter where you play. But everything else is unique, including the physical puzzles, character guides, routes, and “work” riddles.
That said, individual races are not currently replayable because we can’t guarantee that you won’t visit the same checkpoints twice and the physical puzzles remain the same.
Myth 2: A Guide Will Meet You at The Start of Your Race
No, this is definitely not true!
When you take on Race Across the World: The Experience, you do it your way. From start to finish, the experience is entirely self-guided. After all, this is your race! You don’t need us cramping your style.
As soon as you’ve finished setting up your team(s), you’ll receive a welcome message with your start location and next instructions.
The start location for each race is where you should assemble to start your experience. Once there, send “START” to receive your first checkpoint, a randomly allocated nearby checkpoint venue (typically a café or pub). This is where you collect your race pack and begin the race!
Note that teams playing head-to-head will almost always be sent to different starting checkpoints. This is to distribute teams evenly and to avoid any cheating (you can’t just follow the team in front of you!).
Myth 3: You Have To Play in Teams of 2
Sorry, wrong again!
Race Across the World: The Experience is a team game and each team must have a minimum of 2 players and a maximum of 8 players. Who you play with is entirely up to you!
We want anybody who wants to take part in the race to be able to play, so when setting up your race, make sure you select any additional requirements you might need. All of the races can be made family and dog-friendly, and there’s also a step-free option.
Myth 4: You Have to Play Competitively
Just because it’s called Race Across the World: The Experience, there’s absolutely no obligation to put your fastest foot forward if you don’t want to.
Like we said, it’s your race, so if you need to take your time or you’d prefer a leisurely stroll that’s free of stress, feel free to take it entirely at your own pace.
Please note that our estimated completion time is based on teams playing competitively (2-3 hours excluding breaks), so if you take a more easygoing approach, you might like to factor in another hour or so.
Myth 5: You Can Take Public Transport
Definitely not!
We’ve designed all of the Race Across the World Experiences so that you don’t have to pay an extra penny to take part, and to make it as fair as possible for locals and visitors alike.
This means that instead of just skipping down a side street you know well or simply hopping on a bus to the next destination, you’ll have to unlock each leg of your journey as a team by deciphering directions and solving puzzles.
The only time you’ll need to spend anything extra is if you want to buy food and/or drink at checkpoint venues which is totally optional (but many of them do come with exclusive discounts so make the most of them!).
Myth 6: Phones Are Not Allowed
This one is non-negotiable: each team needs to have at least one phone to be able to take part in Race Across the World: The Experience.
Like we said at the start, all of the races are self-guided, but that doesn’t mean you’re left abandoned in the middle of a city somewhere!
Phones are absolutely vital for the race. WhatsApp is your main tool for receiving messages, delivering responses, getting help, managing your virtual budget and tracking your (and your rivals’!) progress on the leaderboard.
We recommend that you set up your teams with at least two phone numbers just in case you run out of phone battery, and you’d be well-advised to make sure you bring a phone charger too (just in case!).
Myth 7: The Race Across The World Experiences Are Only for Superfans
Like we said near the start, we want everyone who takes part to enjoy Race Across the World: The Experience, whether you’re familiar with the show or not.
Fans will certainly recognise many aspects during the race, from locations to common travel conundrums, but if you’ve never seen an episode, don’t worry: you’ll have a great time too.
Instructions are delivered at the start and throughout the race for what happens next, and if you ever need to query anything, we’re on hand to help you out. As long as you have an appetite for adventure and a keen interest in exploring, you’ll have a great time!
Ready to Race?
If you’re ready to race, book your tickets now from our website.
Select your city to be taken to the relevant booking page. Ticketing is handled by Fever, but if you need to make adjustments to your booking, please email us.
Check out our FAQs for answers to any questions you may have or feel free to contact us. See you on the leaderboard!