Past stars of Race Across the World have revealed their tribute to former contestant Sam Gardiner, who died in 2025. Gardiner, 24, took part in the 2020 series of the show with his mother Jo, journeying from Mexico City to Argentina in South America. They left the competition in episode seven, just one shy of its eight-episode run, after their funds ran dry. While the series was ultimately won by uncle and nephew Emon and Jamiul Choudhury, the mother-and-son duo emerged as fan favorites.
Tragically, Gardiner died in May 2025 following a car crash on the A34 near Manchester. In honor of his memory, contestants from every series of Race Across the World will participate in this Sunday's Great Manchester Run. This includes one of its most recent contestants, Harrison Devine, who trekked from Southern Europe to Northern Mongolia with his sister Katie.
Devine appeared on BBC Breakfast this weekend, where he and Emon Choudhury discussed their latest challenge. Host Sarah Campbell kicked things off by asking how well Choudhury had gotten to know Gardiner behind the scenes. Choudhury replied, 'Yeah, I think with Sam, I think when we got together at checkpoints, we sort of let it all loose. So, you know, we experienced such a magical race with him and then, obviously, sad news. It was actually yesterday, last year, that we found out that he passed away. It hit us all hard, do you know what I mean? Because we had a shared experience, not just myself, but his family, his family and friends. I just wanted to do something for him, I guess.'
He continued, 'I managed to get a star-studded cast from, I'll say star-studded, from Race Across the World, from all seasons one to six.' Choudhury and his all-star team will run the 10k race on behalf of The Christie Charity, and in their late co-star's name.
Devine added, 'I was a massive fan of [Race Across the World] before going on it myself. So, like, I vividly remember Sam and the relationship with his mum and how amazing they were and their travels around South America. I think [it] was one of the most inspiring stories and series to watch so far. So, yeah, when I got the call about it from Emon, it was a no-brainer. We both loving running as well so it was a perfect combination.'
Devine and sister Katie finished in third place this year, behind father and daughter Andrew and Mollie Clifford, who came second. They, in turn, came behind series winners and best friends Jo Diop and Kush Burman from Liverpool.
An inquest at the time told of how Gardiner lost control of his car after hitting a curb. He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where he died three days later, a hearing at Stockport Coroners' Court was told. Police coroner's officer Andrew Levett told the inquest opening that Gardiner had died of a 'devastating brain injury' from the crash, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Levett continued, 'At approximately 9.49pm on Monday, May 26, Sam Gardiner was travelling on the A34 northbound heading towards Manchester when his vehicle collided with the curb on the central reservation. He lost control of his vehicle before striking a tree and coming to a rest.' The landscape gardener had been working on an isolated estate on the west coast of Scotland and was home in Manchester for a family gathering.
In a statement at the time, parents Jo and Andrew said they were 'devastated' by the loss of their son. Their statement continued, 'Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective. He did Race Across the World in 2019, which opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel. He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead, and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland. Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we'll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade.'
That year, Race Across the World also paid tribute to its lost star in a memorial card which showed as the end credits rolled. Picturing Gardiner in his racing gear, a caption read, 'In loving memory of Sam Gardiner. 2000-2025.'
