World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji (2020) s01e10 Episode Script
Go, Fiji Go!
[Bear Grylls] Ready?
[ all cheering ]
Go!
[Grylls] Eight days ago,
66 teams from 30 different countries
set out on this 671-kilometer expedition.
Now, 33 teams are left to complete
this epic endeavor.
Woo!
[ all cheering ]
Triathlete team Iron Cowboy is still
on the course, but it hasn't been easy.
[James]
We've never done something like this.
We're learning in the toughest race
on the planet.
It was so hard.
This race is her comeback.
[Grylls] The brutality of the race is
wearing on carefree Team Curl as well.
But for them, this has always been about
more than just competition.
My father committed suicide,
and it just, like, blew everything up,
and metabolizing that is
what I'm here for.
[Grylls] For Team Khukuri Warriors,
to finish the race would turn up
the volume on a powerful movement.
We wanted to prove that the girls in India
are strong, and they can achieve anything.
Woo!
[Grylls] Team Costa Rica continues
to overcome intense experiences
in their effort to reach the finish line.
Veronica died and was brought back to life
in the rafting section of a competition.
[ speaking Spanish ] I am like,
"Oh, my God, I'm so scared."
[Grylls] These teams have just 72 hours
to make it to the finish line,
so, every step
every paddle
and each heartbeat
gets them closer to making history
because right now
it's do or die.
It's Day 9 of the World's Toughest Race.
At this stage,
for the teams still out there,
these days become exponentially harder.
They're sleep-deprived,
they're dehydrated, they're hurting,
they are so deep into muscle
and mental fatigue,
that, really, they are running on empty.
And this is where you separate yourself.
Can you dig deep?
Can you draw on reservoirs
of determination and resilience
that most normal people just don't have?
And, most importantly,
can you draw on each other?
And that is the strength but also
the pain of the World's Toughest Race,
no more so than right now,
at this stage for these teams.
209 kilometers away from the finish line,
Fijian team Tabu Soro is just emerging
from the freezing pools above Vuwa Falls
and slowly making their way
to Checkpoint 22.
The goal has always been to finish strong
for their fellow countrymen.
But the bone-chilling swim
has affected everyone,
especially Captain Uri, who's
in desperate need of medical attention.
[Crew-man] So, do you think you broke
your forearm and your ribs?
I think I definitely did something
to my arm, whether it's
I don't know if it's
full displacement or
I know it's not severe;
it's not compound, it's just--
I smacked my arm on the rock, and
and then my arm-- my rib went fi--first.
And I just got wedged in there-- was
about an hour out of the first four, so
[Crew-man] You're struggling to
breathe and talk, it seems.
Yeah, well, I think it's compounded
with the cold, but, yeah.
[ men speaking Fijian ]
Yes, Fiji, Fiji, Fiji!
when you breathe in.
Breathe in.
[William] Our captain, Uri, fell on
a rock and injured his rib.
We really thought he was
gonna call it quits.
[Uri] I just need something
to control the pain, then I'm on.
[Medic] We've not got a fail or anything
like that, have we? Can you see?
[Uri] It's painful to breathe,
and mobility is restricted at this point.
[Medic] Let's get you warm.
[Uri] Thanks very much, guys.
You know, it's-- it's hard.
There's a lot of pressure being a--
being a home team.
People want you to do well in a sport
that you haven't really done before,
and there's expectation, I guess,
that you're gonna do more than just well.
How are you feeling? Are you in pain?
So, uh you can't let yourself down,
and you can't let your other people down,
no matter how much--
how much pain you're feeling.
[Grylls] With no time to waste,
as a hammering cold rain
pummels the high jungles,
Uri is fighting to stay in this race,
despite his injury.
And up next is an upper body
and core killer
the standup paddleboard section
to Checkpoint 24.
[Uri] We had to slow down a bit,
but you can't do anything for it.
You've got to just take a few painkillers
and just get over it, get the job done.
[ air pumping ]
I missed Beautiful.
How could you ask for more?
Welcome to Fiji.
For us, it's not a race;
it's a challenge.
It was never an option of pulling out.
You've just got to deal with
the pain and
We'd have to cut off
one of my legs or arms
or be totally, you know, dead
on the ground to not go on.
[ thunder clap ]
[Grylls] 100 kilometers ahead,
after suffering a devastating
navigation error in Leg 4
- Bula!
- Bula!
an exhausted Team Curl has tackled the
first half of the mountain bike section,
as they reach Checkpoint 27.
[ sighs ] Oh, man. Bicycle, I'm sorry.
Can you fix it?
I'll be able to pedal a little
in some places,
and that's pretty much
all I can get out of this.
I'm glad this is approaching the end.
I'm just ready to sit in a hot tub
or something.
[Grylls] With 50 kilometers
of mountain biking ahead of them,
the last thing they need
is a drop in morale
especially Steven, who's fulfilling
an even greater purpose.
As a former pro soccer player in the MLS,
I've gone through, like,
a major soul-searching phase
after soccer ended
and my father passed away.
And my experience of living, of life,
got really called into question
when my dad committed suicide.
I think the World's Toughest Race
is kind of like an external symbol
for me to face things as they come.
I want to develop the part of me that,
like, trusts other people
and is sensitive
to that authentic part of myself.
I don't know how the World's Toughest Race
is going to change me,
but that's why I'm doing it.
Alright, Lenhart,
I'm gonna need your strength.
Everything just is difficult.
[Jeff] Dude,
this is gonna be really good.
[Grylls] 60 kilometers ahead,
Team Costa Rica reaches Checkpoint 29.
[ applause and whistling ]
Where's the checkpoint?
[Grylls] This race has pushed the team
to their limits.
And with only 55 kilometers
until the finish line,
this usually joyful team
is on the verge of unravel.
[ crying ]
[ men speaking Spanish ]
It's just that
I have suffered getting here
and now it just hurts, but
I couldn't take it anymore.
[ both sob ]
It's OK.
[ both crying ]
We're getting to rest before the
SUP (Stand-up Paddle boarding).
We're going to rest here.
Clean the wounds and rest.
I would consider this the most difficult
race I've done in my entire life.
Even when in other ones I had
accidents like frostbite
or like the detachment of
my cornea in one eye
or having drowned in another race.
Thanks for the patience.
Good job. Come here.
Woo! [ whistling ]
But I think the challenge is
how we do things, and
I have to learn to express that fear
to trust others, because
I won't be able to overcome this
by myself. It's very, very difficult.
[Grylls] 40 kilometers from Camp 4,
on the highlands trek
in a desperate attempt
to make the Day 10 cutoff time,
several teams have joined forces
with veteran Canadian adventure racer
Alex Man, from team True North.
They include the American triathletes
Team Iron Cowboy
and Indian twin sisters
Team Khukuri Warriors,
plus a Dutch outfit,
Team Checkpoint Hunters.
The whole race is here.
Some of them are.
- We're all going to make the cutoff.
- [ woman laughs ]
[Grylls] It's a lot more humid now.
We're in the grasslands.
It was cold up there
in that higher elevation.
Here for the teams is this humidity.
The heat gets trapped
in all of this high, long grass.
And that means you sweat more,
dehydrate more, get weaker, faster.
We're supposed to hit a point on a creek,
and there's a trail that basically
goes down, I think, a ridge.
But it's not on the map,
so, we'll just feel our way down.
We're a father-daughter, father-son team.
I did Eco-Challenge in Argentina,
Patagonia, in '99,
and it was the most amazing race
I've ever done.
So, to get to adventure race with my
daughter in the sport that I used to do
is a dream come true.
- We're here.
- We're there. We're watching it.
We're trying to get northwest up this.
I'm really excited to get to do the race
with my dad.
It's been something we've both been
looking forward to for almost a year.
I think this will kind of be a really
good bonding experience for us to have
just before I kind of move out
and become an actual adult,
as opposed to just being 18 years old.
Um [ laughs ]
So, pretty cool experience.
[Tashi] You know, map reading
is getting trickier,
and people are losing their way more,
so it's a wise decision
that we all stick together as a team
and make it to Camp 4,
you know, together,
if we really want to survive this.
Team True North, an amazing man.
He's having the same conversations
I'm having in my head,
so it's so nice to have them out loud
with somebody.
Especially being new.
Hi. Canada
India
- Canada. I feel like I'm in the Olympics.
- It sort of is.
[Grylls] For another group of Americans,
Team Super Fighters, who are overheated,
exhausted, and lost,
this convoy may be the godsend they need
to keep them in the race.
Over there, that guy is a gem.
True North.
Who is?
The Canadian guy. Oh, yeah, yeah.
He's been-- he's been spot-on.
That's why we're just,
like, shadowing him.
Yeah.
That-- no stress on us,
and they'll get us to Camp 3.
- That's what I need right now.
- You could use some low stress?
- Yeah, I'm
- You need a hug, bro?
- Bring it in!
- Alright!
Yes! Yes! Yes.
- That's what you needed?
- Yeah.
Look at that.
Look at that big smile now.
I feel better now.
I can go at least another half K.
- [ laughing ] At least.
- We're going?
- Follow the leader.
- [Sonja] Yeah.
[Sonja] So, let's move.
[Grylls] These teams have been trekking
for half the day,
but at this point, their only goal
is to make the Day 10 Camp 4 cutoff.
But in these conditions,
heat stroke is a real danger,
one that could be race-ending.
73 kilometers ahead,
Team Curl are digging deep
to rejuvenate their bodies
and spirits at Qalivuda Falls,
as they begin the harrowing
60-meter rappel
to collect their fifth
and final medallion.
Are you good?
We'll find out.
Woo! Hoo hoo!
Yeah, buddy.
Woo!
Nice work!
Oh my God, this is amazing.
Woo!
Woo hoo!
Whoa! I want to do that again!
[Steven] Beautiful here, man.
The team's strong.
But we're tired.
We're gonna do our best to finish strong.
[Steven] All of us have suffered
in our own way.
But now, the World's Toughest Race,
as far as life goes,
I love what it's bringing up.
- Yeah, buddy!
- [Jennifer] Nice one!
[Steven]
Moving forward and not giving up
Woo!
and to show up, do my best,
and just, like, try and have fun with it.
You know, inspire those around me.
[Grylls] 43 kilometers back,
the caravan of teams presses on.
The heat from the day has gone,
but navigating at night
is exponentially more difficult,
and any miscalculations
could lead to disaster.
Oh, man, we're trying to get
to Camp 4 tonight.
I'm sleepy, tired.
The trail is, like, all downhill for now.
[Nungshi] I'm excited. I just want
to get there and eat, drink, sleep.
See Dad.
I'm sure he's worried about us right now.
[Grylls] Lead teams covered the same
terrain at twice the pace,
but their focus was speed,
while the main goal for these teams
is survival.
It would be such a win to make it
to camp tonight.
[Alex] We had this big train
by the end of the night.
If you look back, there's
a good 20 headlamps back there,
just a line of people,
so it was-- it was neat to see.
We all kind of worked together.
It's been a 22-hour day for the kids.
It was a long workout.
Pretty brain-dead now. [ laughs ]
[ applause ]
Oh, man, we're so
- It was so long and endless.
- I'm so excited.
[Grylls] After trekking all day,
the caravan finally reaches Camp 4
[ applause ]
where they can get
some much-needed rest
before departing for the fifth
and final leg of the course.
Give me a hug. You're an animal.
[ all laughing ]
We could never make it here
without you, man.
You guys are unbelievable.
- I mean, what a pace. Thank you so much.
- No problem.
That was crazy.
[ laughter ]
[Grylls] As the sun rises
on the tenth day of racing
in a local village at Checkpoint 24
[ rooster crows ]
Team Flying J, a tough group comprised
of two members of military special forces
and two experienced racers,
are slow to get started.
[ groans ]
As she watches her teammates struggle,
Captain Dianette wrestles
with the harsh realities
of the World's Toughest Race.
[Guy] How long is the hike?
- Huh?
- How long is the hike?
Couple hours.
Yeah?
You need to talk.
You need to be honest.
You've been walking funny for days.
You never said a word.
It hurts, there's something
really screwed up with it.
[Dianette] You know, we just thought
Guy had twisted his knee.
No idea his-- it was--
You know, he had a deep gash on his leg,
um, that got horribly infected,
and that's what's making it swell.
Come on, man.
We only got one more medallion to get.
[ groaning ]
- Ow! That's good. I'm up.
- Okay?
Uh-huh.
- [ sighs in pain ]
- That's where I would ask him.
[Guy] Yeah.
I don't like seeing you
in this much pain.
There's no shame in quitting.
Oh, yes, there is.
[Dianette] You don't want to see your
teammate in pain like that. It's horrible.
I couldn't watch it.
I couldn't watch it, and now, up close,
looking at his injuries
Well, as team captain, I'm calling it.
No, no, no, no, no.
[Dianette] Guy, be realistic.
You can't do 30K like this.
- You can't even get up off the floor.
- [Guy] No. Don't do that yet.
[Dianette] Be realistic.
That right leg looks like it's doubled.
And you can have permanent damage now
if you continue on.
I know!
[Dianette] You know, I wanted him to say,
"I can't go on."
He's so stubborn.
And he wouldn't do it, so, okay,
get him the medical help he needs.
- How's the status?
- I think we're done.
- Done?
- He can't stand up.
So, he needs medical help or someone.
He literally can't stand up.
Alright.
- Sit your ass down.
- [ grunting ]
- Okay.
- Sit, sit. Come on. We got you.
You're gonna have to let me know.
Hup! Let's go!
Okay, and then slow, slow, slow.
So, we just heard on the radio that
Flying J is out of the race, sadly.
And they're gonna need
medically extracting.
So, we're almost at Checkpoint 24,
where they're coming into.
Let's get in, guys,
and we'll get him out of here.
Some people are like that.
They're so macho, they won't say,
"Oh, something hurts,"
or "Something's not right. Let's fix it."
And that obviously can end up
bringing down the whole team.
You okay, my friend?
What a difficult moment for you guys.
We're gonna get you out of here
all in one piece.
Hang tight, buddy.
Here we go.
Put him all the way in, first of all,
and then we'll slide him up.
[Dianette] What is wrong with his leg
is pretty serious.
So, thank God we're not going further, and
he's gonna get the medical help he needs.
It's not the outcome we wanted, but
I think, overall, we had a good time.
[Grylls] Teams arriving to Camp 4
are scratching and clawing their way
through this race.
[ applause, cheers ]
And their refusal to abandon hope
has put them within striking distance
of the finish.
[ applause ]
[Anna] We dragged ourselves in,
but we made it through.
[ sniffs ]
It was just-- [ sighs ]
just really hard.
[ cheering ]
Here we go!
[Grylls] The clock is always ticking,
and these teams now
have less than 55 hours
to complete the final leg of the race
before the finish line closes.
Team Iron Cowboy is feeling energized,
but they also know they still have
150 kilometers of brutal terrain to cover
in order to reach the finish line.
Do they make rider sunglasses anywhere?
These are signature
Iron Cowboy sunglasses.
When I put these on,
you know it's business time.
It's go time, baby.
[ applause ]
I know when I'm out here that I'm living
my best, truest self.
Troy and Annie,
my husband and my daughter,
they're my inspiration every single day.
I know I love them dearly,
and I'm so thankful for them.
My husband is so supportive.
He sees so clearly what I'm about,
sometimes more than I see in myself.
It's hot, man.
Hot and dry.
But, man, it is gorgeous.
Mm-hmm.
It reminded me of home.
Obviously, being close to the finish line
makes us all think of home.
None of this happens without
a real awesome wife or husband.
[James] I just decided to finish
and go home and see my kids, see my wife.
We're a really close family.
It's been a long ten days. [ sniffs ]
My kids always get me. [ sniffs ]
- Come on, James.
- I'm in.
Summon your eagle powers.
[Grylls] 38 kilometers ahead,
ace navigator Alex and his daughter,
Becca, of Team True North,
begin their rappel at Qalivuda Falls.
[Becca] This time in Fiji with my dad
has been super special.
We have kind of that drive
that just keeps pushing us forward,
and, um, I think this has been,
like, a major stride in our relationship.
That was fun.
[Alex] I'm just having a blast
spending a couple of weeks
out in the bush with my daughter.
It's a dream come true, really.
To have your daughter reach up
and hold your hand when she's little,
you kind of take that for granted,
and then it stops.
But Eco-Challenge
basically gave it back to me.
[ laughing ]
You know, I'm out there slogging through
hundreds of stream crossings,
and every time,
Becca would just reach back for my hand.
It was awesome.
It was-- it was cool
to experience that again.
Good job, Logan!
There's our final medallion.
It's only about a day and a bit
to the finish line.
- [Becca] That felt great.
- That was really good.
[Grylls] With 50 hours left
on the race clock,
teams are spread out across
more than 150 kilometers of the course.
Team Costa Rica has rebounded
from their emotional setback
[ Veronica, speaking Spanish ]
1, 2, 3 Pura Vida!
and is now pushing off
in the outrigger,
their final discipline before the finish.
12 kilometers from Camp 4,
the tightknit Aussies, Team Mad Mayrs,
are now in the back of the pack,
as they mountain bike
during the hottest part of the day.
Oh, my God.
You're in the hurt locker, eh?
- You guys
- Good day, how are you doin'?
- You've had some battles, eh?
- Thank you. Just a few.
That last leg of ocean is hard work.
We're pretty strong paddlers.
I think we're mostly looking forward
to that last leg.
- Definitely.
- And you're still smiling.
- Good for you.
- Always. Thank you.
What inspirations you are.
- Haven't killed each other yet.
- Ah, there's still time.
Yeah, there's still time. 48 hours.
Yeah, you gonna do it?
- Cheers, mate.
- Thank you very much.
You guys. You guys.
[Courtney] Thank you!
There's a lot of teams
that have been falling out behind us,
which does put us now
at the back of the pack.
But we're still ticking along
with the same attitude
and the same energy that we have
from day one.
Probably a little bit less energy now,
but it's still that same spirit
of, we're here to finish.
[ Courtney howls ]
[Grylls] Midway through Day 10,
just over a dozen teams have made it
through this punishing race.
Come on, all the way!
Well done! I love you!
[Grylls] For both the experienced teams
and rookies alike
Woo hoo! Yeah!
this is an enormous achievement
Keep pushing!
no matter what place they finish.
Woo! We are worthy!
The vivacious team of veteran racers
Team Costa Rica
had some massive highs and desperate lows
throughout this challenge.
This race helped me understand
the adventure in a different way.
[Grylls] But their invincible spirit
has prevailed,
and they've reached the finish line
with an overflow of emotion.
We were made to live and
share with one another.
We can attain many things individually
Costa Rica, pura vida!
but teamwork is very important.
That is true, "Pura Vida." True unity.
[ speaking Spanish ]
[Grylls] On the final downhill stretch
before Checkpoint 29
Team Curl is almost done with the very
last mountain biking section of this race.
Woo hoo!
[Brett]
The final bit is easy stuff for us.
We're good bikers.
We're good standup paddleboarders.
We're good paddlers.
We're feeling good.
Oh, my God, it's so fun
[Jennifer] Oh, my God.
I thought many times to myself,
"These are very fast bikers.
I kept up with them all day,
but I'm not a mountain biker."
Yeah!
Woo!
We were having fun. Like, we were just
biking and having a great time.
Woo woo!
Woo hoo hoo!
[ groans ]
- [Jennifer] We need to get
- Do you have a med kit on here?
- A medical kit
- [Jennifer] I'm trying to call medical.
[ groans ]
God, so dumb.
It's okay, dude.
- Did you lose consciousness?
- No.
[Grylls]
A race worker with medic experience
helps the team
assess Steven's condition
as night begins to fall.
Pretty tender down here.
Another main thing that took the fall
was my this part of my head, I think.
- This part up here?
- But the helmet really helped.
And then my tooth is loose,
my front left tooth.
[Medic #1] Did they dispatch
a helicopter to come?
[Medic #2] The helicopters can't fly
anymore, because it's after dark.
But they're-- they're coming in
full force, it seems.
[ phone ringing ]
- [Dr. Carachi] Hello?
- Hey, doc.
[ beeping ]
Hi, how are you doing?
I'm pretty pissed off.
Okay. How-- Are you--
Do you have much pain at the moment?
Uh, like, my middle fingernail
got completely peeled back,
so that-- that hurts.
- Um
- Okay.
My, like, right hip hurts a little bit.
And then, these, like, road rashy things
are just, like, super tingly
and kind of pissing me off.
[Grylls] After consulting a doctor,
race headquarters dispatches a vehicle
for additional medical evaluation
on Steven.
- Yeah.
- Ready?
One, two, three.
[ groaning ]
[ footsteps crunching ]
Are you guys cool if we just stop?
Yeah, of course, dude. Of course.
OK.
Absolutely. This is dude.
I just wanted to talk about it before
No, dude. This is you, man.
It's all about you.
Like, I think that
- I'm sorry, man.
- It's okay, dude.
Old Lenny Balls was going
a little too fast.
[ laughs ]
But the good thing is,
is I'm not totally beat up,
I'm just some road rash and
pissed off, more than anything.
Um
I mean, probably could finish it,
but I'm not out here trying to
prove myself in that way.
Uh
I obviously want to stay in the game
for my teammates, but
I think we have a general understanding
that we want to
[ laughs ] take care of ourselves, um
and our relationships are much more
lasting than just this race.
I think that's probably the main takeaway
at this point.
[ sniffs ] We were close.
But
it's more important to have a friend.
[ general chatter ]
But he's okay.
It was hard.
You don't like to see
your friends get hurt.
Um, we are going to take you
to hospital in Lautoka,
which is probably about
an hour's drive from here.
It was a great race 'til then.
It still is, 'cause he's alive,
and we're all happy,
and we came out, we're all friends
Would have been nice to finish, but,
you know, maybe we'll get it next year.
- This guy's more important.
- Brilliant. Okay. That's good.
If we stay, like, oriented to
"we didn't finish the race"
as that being, like, the only goal
that there was,
then it's like a really myopic view
of what just happened the last week.
I'm so proud of Team Curl.
We had a good time. [ chuckles ]
But we also grinded a lot and found a way
to, like, push through and do what we did.
[Grylls] It's Day 11, as dawn breaks
at Checkpoint 30.
Teams are setting out on the outriggers
for the final 43 kilometers of the race.
The unruly ocean is now the only thing
separating Team Khukuri Warriors
from their dream to cross the finish line
at the World's Toughest Race.
[Nungshi] Oh, my God.
We are so close to the cutoff.
Alright, guys, we're gonna make it.
Are you guys excited?
But the ugly truth is, there's this water,
there's the fast current,
the wind's blowing
what are we gonna do?
I'm not a good swimmer.
In the back of my mind, I'm like,
"If we drown, if the boat capsizes,
what's gonna happen?" Like
there is that element of fear still,
but I feel like when we started,
our message was to inspire
the girls of our country
to go beyond the impossible.
Guys, if we capsize, we lose everything.
So, we just gotta keep moving,
keep moving,
and we gotta try as hard as we can
to reach the finish line.
[Grylls]
Not far behind at Checkpoint 29
[ guitar being strummed ]
[ man speaking Fijian ]
the two Fijian teams, Tabu Soro
and Namako, have joined forces again.
[ singing in Fijian ]
Together, they press on to the final
standup paddle, to Checkpoint 30.
- Oh-oh-oh!
- Go, Fiji, go!
Yeah, man, it's so cool. [ laughs ]
It was hard the last couple days
to be able to breathe and move,
and I slowed our team down a little bit,
but there was no option of pulling out.
I've just got to deal with the pain
and finish together.
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go, Fiji, go!
[Alivate] The pressure was there
to finish the race,
because of how people
were reacting to us,
and how they cheered us on and made us
feel proud of what we were doing.
There was no way
we were going to quit, you know?
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go, Fiji, go!
And the two Fijian teams right at
the back, still smiling, still going,
showing that wonderful, warm,
powerful, strong Fijian spirit.
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go for it, guys! Good for you!
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go, Fiji, go!
[Grylls] Ahead of the finish line,
American team Iron Cowboy
arrives battered and bruised,
but certainly not beaten,
as they rush to meet their families
for an emotional reunion.
Team Iron Cowboy! Woo!
[ cheering and shouting ]
I feel good.
Man, what a feeling to finish
an adventure like this.
Ahh!
[ all yelling ]
If you were to take 10 consecutive
Ironmans-- it's called a Deca--
and you compare it against this,
this is way harder.
There's a lot of sacrifice that goes
into this, especially with families.
I've got four beautiful girls, a son,
and my amazing wife.
But I believe there's a lot of
life lessons that can be taught.
Grit. Resilience. Persistence.
Dedication. Hard work. Never quit.
Oh, I love you.
I love you.
Nothing great is ever accomplished
on our own.
[ all cheering ]
[ applause ]
I want to shed a tear
of just sadness that it's over,
because I had a fairly major breakdown
a couple years ago.
[ cheers and applause ]
[Sonja] I learned some huge lessons
from an emotional standpoint,
in the best way possible,
that I couldn't have gotten
without this race,
without going down to the core.
Building yourself back up
from being broken
is something I finally
can be really proud of.
[ laughing ]
[ cheering ]
Yeah!
If you believe in yourself, it doesn't
matter who loves you, who hates you.
If you're living your truth and
you have that deep belief in yourself,
that's all that you need.
[Grylls] As the remaining teams
struggle towards the end
How long we got to get to this island?
I'll tell you when we get there.
half of the field have now conquered
the World's Toughest Race.
Woo!
Hello!
[ music ]
[ speaking Spanish ] We made it.
[ sighs ]
[Grylls] After 11 days of sheer effort,
heart, and purpose,
the finish line is finally in the sights
of Team Khukuri Warriors.
[ applause and cheers ]
[Tashi] This race has transformed me
in a lot of ways.
To make it to the finish line,
it feels like,
you know, like, this is the best feeling
I've ever had in my life.
Hey, girls! Woo!
I am super excited.
I mean, it's one of the life-changing
moments for all of us in the family,
and it's a giant leap for my daughters.
You just made history, girls.
You know that?
For the last ten days, they have defied
every obstacle and adventure,
and then too, like,
against all expectations,
then to finish today,
this is huge.
Well done, you!
[ applause ]
You are unbelievable.
And you're running across the finish line.
I would say Eco-Challenge, in comparison
to the stamina and endurance
and physical fitness,
this was tougher than Everest,
hands down.
And to do it with my sister
was even more special,
'cause, I mean, having her
is such a blessing.
And, like, she's like my safety pin,
you know.
If I need her, she'll be there.
Thank you so much.
I'm so proud of you.
And now, through this experience,
we are hoping that
girls are going to feel
so much more inspired,
seeing that we made it on the finish line
and use that in their own lives
as a positive metaphor
to get through the challenges
every single time
they ever doubt their path.
[Grylls] As night falls,
there's just over 12 hours left
in the World's Toughest Race.
With teams still fighting their way
to the finish,
the young Australian rookies,
Team Mad Mayrs,
have beaten the odds
and can call themselves finishers.
[ all cheering ]
[ applause ]
- Sorry we took so long!
- Yeah!
You guys, the Mad Mayrs,
have just completed
the World's Toughest Race.
Come on!
[ all cheering ]
[Grylls] Can you believe you've done it?
Yeah, go on.
Yeah, I just nothing.
She likes to have a cry when she's happy.
[Grylls] You've given so much.
- Aww.
- You've given so much.
[Courtney] I definitely think this race
has made me a better person.
I'm terrified of heights.
I'm terrified of falling.
I'm terrified of slipping.
And the fact that I was able to ascend
up two different waterfalls
and to rappel
at like 2:00 in the morning,
to get through that with my teammates
and push past
and actually conquer
a personal fear of mine,
like, it's the most
incredible experience.
Okay. The important bit.
- [ gasps ]
- Aw, yay!
I'm so appreciative and so grateful
I got the chance
to push myself beyond my boundaries.
- Hard earned. Hard work.
- I'm a hugger. Thank you.
[Tyson] We've been looking forward
to this moment for ten days.
Every time we're suffering,
every time we're hurting,
we've been looking forward
to this moment of finishing.
Woo!
[ all cheering ]
So, to have that champagne in there
and see our names up on the board,
see everyone smile,
we're all still there beautiful.
[Grylls] It's the final day
of the World's Toughest Race.
The 12 noon cutoff is looming
for those remaining few teams
still on the course,
as more teams continue to finish.
- Woo hoo!
- Woo!
[ applause ]
[Alex] To finish it,
and to do that with my daughter,
it is just icing on the cake.
I think this is probably the happiest
I've ever been after finishing a race.
[ cheering ]
Woo!
[Grylls] With merely a couple of
hours left on the race clock,
Tabu Soro and Namako's
combined perseverance has paid off,
as the two Fijian teams have
the finish line within their grasp.
[ music ]
Woo!
Pick it up, boys!
Go, Fiji!
[William] To cross the finish line
of the World's Toughest Race
is a proud moment for all of us,
to represent Fiji.
I'm proud of you guys!
[William] That will resonate
in the hearts of the Fijians
as the first teams in Fiji
to ever finish an Eco-Challenge.
Woo hoo!
We were very happy, because now,
we experienced this place
in a whole different way.
We see it in a whole different light,
you know?
It's a really special place.
It's a really beautiful place.
And I got to share it with
some special people, you know,
and here we are.
Woo!
Yes! Yes, man!
Woo hoo!
[Uri] Sometimes,
you got to just push on,
and on the other side
of that pain is reward.
I think that's a life value.
This was a 10-day training camp
for life in general,
'cause you just learn so much from it.
[ all singing ] For Fiji ♪
Ever Fiji ♪
Her name hails far and wide ♪
A land of freedom ♪
Hope and glory ♪
To endure whatever befalls ♪
- Hip, hip
- Hooray!
[ all cheering ]
What an amazing two teams you've been.
You're great friends, you're resilient,
you're tough, you never gave up.
You've just completed
the World's Toughest Race.
[ all cheering ]
The message that I hope that people
get out of this is to try,
because if you think
that you can't do something,
well, then you won't do it.
But if you give it a shot,
you never know.
Just like we did.
[Grylls] The past 11 days on this
undeniably brutal yet breathtaking race
has carved a lasting impression
on each and every racer.
[Travis] These kind of races,
they humble you.
They teach you that you
are not in control.
Our family has, um, an uncertain future.
I love you so much
I think it's really important to stay in
the moment and tackle what may come.
[Grylls] Whether they crossed
the finish line or fell short,
all 264 athletes
from 30 different countries
have given every last piece of themselves
to this experience.
[Tashi] It was the people.
We just loved them.
And you realize that we're all
one big family.
And to feel that pulse of this place
was so powerful.
[Grylls]
From the unpredictable environment
that is Fiji's magnificent landscape,
to the friendships tested
and newly formed,
this race challenged every competitor's
physical and mental fortitude.
[Anna] This race has really shown me that
we can do so much more than we think,
if we just try.
[Emma] At the end is a bunch
of experiences that forms you,
and I think you're a more
human person.
[Grylls] Each athlete has left
their own mark as well,
both within the history of this epic race
and, more importantly, within themselves.
[Clifton] All the walls that you've put up
about yourself are just torn down.
You are more uniquely yourself than you
ever built at any other time in your life.
It literally changed me.
[Mark] A lot of people
with Alzheimer's disease will see this.
That's the best thing I could do
with my life right now,
is to make people aware
that life is still good.
Continue on,
and do everything that you can.
[Bob Haugh]
This experience reassures me
that I still like
doing this kind of stuff.
I'll do it as long as
I can keep the wheels rolling.
[Nathan] You know, there's
a Toughest Race out there for everyone.
I think someone who works too hard
and decides they want to go
and do a 5-mile race,
well, that, for them,
that's their World's Toughest Race.
I just really encourage people to get
out there and find their Toughest Race,
whatever that may be.
[Grylls] This may be the end
of this year's race,
but the memories of lessons taken
from Fiji will last a lifetime
in the hearts and minds of everyone who
was part of the World's Toughest Race.
[ music ]
[ roaring ]
[ all cheering ]
Go!
[Grylls] Eight days ago,
66 teams from 30 different countries
set out on this 671-kilometer expedition.
Now, 33 teams are left to complete
this epic endeavor.
Woo!
[ all cheering ]
Triathlete team Iron Cowboy is still
on the course, but it hasn't been easy.
[James]
We've never done something like this.
We're learning in the toughest race
on the planet.
It was so hard.
This race is her comeback.
[Grylls] The brutality of the race is
wearing on carefree Team Curl as well.
But for them, this has always been about
more than just competition.
My father committed suicide,
and it just, like, blew everything up,
and metabolizing that is
what I'm here for.
[Grylls] For Team Khukuri Warriors,
to finish the race would turn up
the volume on a powerful movement.
We wanted to prove that the girls in India
are strong, and they can achieve anything.
Woo!
[Grylls] Team Costa Rica continues
to overcome intense experiences
in their effort to reach the finish line.
Veronica died and was brought back to life
in the rafting section of a competition.
[ speaking Spanish ] I am like,
"Oh, my God, I'm so scared."
[Grylls] These teams have just 72 hours
to make it to the finish line,
so, every step
every paddle
and each heartbeat
gets them closer to making history
because right now
it's do or die.
It's Day 9 of the World's Toughest Race.
At this stage,
for the teams still out there,
these days become exponentially harder.
They're sleep-deprived,
they're dehydrated, they're hurting,
they are so deep into muscle
and mental fatigue,
that, really, they are running on empty.
And this is where you separate yourself.
Can you dig deep?
Can you draw on reservoirs
of determination and resilience
that most normal people just don't have?
And, most importantly,
can you draw on each other?
And that is the strength but also
the pain of the World's Toughest Race,
no more so than right now,
at this stage for these teams.
209 kilometers away from the finish line,
Fijian team Tabu Soro is just emerging
from the freezing pools above Vuwa Falls
and slowly making their way
to Checkpoint 22.
The goal has always been to finish strong
for their fellow countrymen.
But the bone-chilling swim
has affected everyone,
especially Captain Uri, who's
in desperate need of medical attention.
[Crew-man] So, do you think you broke
your forearm and your ribs?
I think I definitely did something
to my arm, whether it's
I don't know if it's
full displacement or
I know it's not severe;
it's not compound, it's just--
I smacked my arm on the rock, and
and then my arm-- my rib went fi--first.
And I just got wedged in there-- was
about an hour out of the first four, so
[Crew-man] You're struggling to
breathe and talk, it seems.
Yeah, well, I think it's compounded
with the cold, but, yeah.
[ men speaking Fijian ]
Yes, Fiji, Fiji, Fiji!
when you breathe in.
Breathe in.
[William] Our captain, Uri, fell on
a rock and injured his rib.
We really thought he was
gonna call it quits.
[Uri] I just need something
to control the pain, then I'm on.
[Medic] We've not got a fail or anything
like that, have we? Can you see?
[Uri] It's painful to breathe,
and mobility is restricted at this point.
[Medic] Let's get you warm.
[Uri] Thanks very much, guys.
You know, it's-- it's hard.
There's a lot of pressure being a--
being a home team.
People want you to do well in a sport
that you haven't really done before,
and there's expectation, I guess,
that you're gonna do more than just well.
How are you feeling? Are you in pain?
So, uh you can't let yourself down,
and you can't let your other people down,
no matter how much--
how much pain you're feeling.
[Grylls] With no time to waste,
as a hammering cold rain
pummels the high jungles,
Uri is fighting to stay in this race,
despite his injury.
And up next is an upper body
and core killer
the standup paddleboard section
to Checkpoint 24.
[Uri] We had to slow down a bit,
but you can't do anything for it.
You've got to just take a few painkillers
and just get over it, get the job done.
[ air pumping ]
I missed Beautiful.
How could you ask for more?
Welcome to Fiji.
For us, it's not a race;
it's a challenge.
It was never an option of pulling out.
You've just got to deal with
the pain and
We'd have to cut off
one of my legs or arms
or be totally, you know, dead
on the ground to not go on.
[ thunder clap ]
[Grylls] 100 kilometers ahead,
after suffering a devastating
navigation error in Leg 4
- Bula!
- Bula!
an exhausted Team Curl has tackled the
first half of the mountain bike section,
as they reach Checkpoint 27.
[ sighs ] Oh, man. Bicycle, I'm sorry.
Can you fix it?
I'll be able to pedal a little
in some places,
and that's pretty much
all I can get out of this.
I'm glad this is approaching the end.
I'm just ready to sit in a hot tub
or something.
[Grylls] With 50 kilometers
of mountain biking ahead of them,
the last thing they need
is a drop in morale
especially Steven, who's fulfilling
an even greater purpose.
As a former pro soccer player in the MLS,
I've gone through, like,
a major soul-searching phase
after soccer ended
and my father passed away.
And my experience of living, of life,
got really called into question
when my dad committed suicide.
I think the World's Toughest Race
is kind of like an external symbol
for me to face things as they come.
I want to develop the part of me that,
like, trusts other people
and is sensitive
to that authentic part of myself.
I don't know how the World's Toughest Race
is going to change me,
but that's why I'm doing it.
Alright, Lenhart,
I'm gonna need your strength.
Everything just is difficult.
[Jeff] Dude,
this is gonna be really good.
[Grylls] 60 kilometers ahead,
Team Costa Rica reaches Checkpoint 29.
[ applause and whistling ]
Where's the checkpoint?
[Grylls] This race has pushed the team
to their limits.
And with only 55 kilometers
until the finish line,
this usually joyful team
is on the verge of unravel.
[ crying ]
[ men speaking Spanish ]
It's just that
I have suffered getting here
and now it just hurts, but
I couldn't take it anymore.
[ both sob ]
It's OK.
[ both crying ]
We're getting to rest before the
SUP (Stand-up Paddle boarding).
We're going to rest here.
Clean the wounds and rest.
I would consider this the most difficult
race I've done in my entire life.
Even when in other ones I had
accidents like frostbite
or like the detachment of
my cornea in one eye
or having drowned in another race.
Thanks for the patience.
Good job. Come here.
Woo! [ whistling ]
But I think the challenge is
how we do things, and
I have to learn to express that fear
to trust others, because
I won't be able to overcome this
by myself. It's very, very difficult.
[Grylls] 40 kilometers from Camp 4,
on the highlands trek
in a desperate attempt
to make the Day 10 cutoff time,
several teams have joined forces
with veteran Canadian adventure racer
Alex Man, from team True North.
They include the American triathletes
Team Iron Cowboy
and Indian twin sisters
Team Khukuri Warriors,
plus a Dutch outfit,
Team Checkpoint Hunters.
The whole race is here.
Some of them are.
- We're all going to make the cutoff.
- [ woman laughs ]
[Grylls] It's a lot more humid now.
We're in the grasslands.
It was cold up there
in that higher elevation.
Here for the teams is this humidity.
The heat gets trapped
in all of this high, long grass.
And that means you sweat more,
dehydrate more, get weaker, faster.
We're supposed to hit a point on a creek,
and there's a trail that basically
goes down, I think, a ridge.
But it's not on the map,
so, we'll just feel our way down.
We're a father-daughter, father-son team.
I did Eco-Challenge in Argentina,
Patagonia, in '99,
and it was the most amazing race
I've ever done.
So, to get to adventure race with my
daughter in the sport that I used to do
is a dream come true.
- We're here.
- We're there. We're watching it.
We're trying to get northwest up this.
I'm really excited to get to do the race
with my dad.
It's been something we've both been
looking forward to for almost a year.
I think this will kind of be a really
good bonding experience for us to have
just before I kind of move out
and become an actual adult,
as opposed to just being 18 years old.
Um [ laughs ]
So, pretty cool experience.
[Tashi] You know, map reading
is getting trickier,
and people are losing their way more,
so it's a wise decision
that we all stick together as a team
and make it to Camp 4,
you know, together,
if we really want to survive this.
Team True North, an amazing man.
He's having the same conversations
I'm having in my head,
so it's so nice to have them out loud
with somebody.
Especially being new.
Hi. Canada
India
- Canada. I feel like I'm in the Olympics.
- It sort of is.
[Grylls] For another group of Americans,
Team Super Fighters, who are overheated,
exhausted, and lost,
this convoy may be the godsend they need
to keep them in the race.
Over there, that guy is a gem.
True North.
Who is?
The Canadian guy. Oh, yeah, yeah.
He's been-- he's been spot-on.
That's why we're just,
like, shadowing him.
Yeah.
That-- no stress on us,
and they'll get us to Camp 3.
- That's what I need right now.
- You could use some low stress?
- Yeah, I'm
- You need a hug, bro?
- Bring it in!
- Alright!
Yes! Yes! Yes.
- That's what you needed?
- Yeah.
Look at that.
Look at that big smile now.
I feel better now.
I can go at least another half K.
- [ laughing ] At least.
- We're going?
- Follow the leader.
- [Sonja] Yeah.
[Sonja] So, let's move.
[Grylls] These teams have been trekking
for half the day,
but at this point, their only goal
is to make the Day 10 Camp 4 cutoff.
But in these conditions,
heat stroke is a real danger,
one that could be race-ending.
73 kilometers ahead,
Team Curl are digging deep
to rejuvenate their bodies
and spirits at Qalivuda Falls,
as they begin the harrowing
60-meter rappel
to collect their fifth
and final medallion.
Are you good?
We'll find out.
Woo! Hoo hoo!
Yeah, buddy.
Woo!
Nice work!
Oh my God, this is amazing.
Woo!
Woo hoo!
Whoa! I want to do that again!
[Steven] Beautiful here, man.
The team's strong.
But we're tired.
We're gonna do our best to finish strong.
[Steven] All of us have suffered
in our own way.
But now, the World's Toughest Race,
as far as life goes,
I love what it's bringing up.
- Yeah, buddy!
- [Jennifer] Nice one!
[Steven]
Moving forward and not giving up
Woo!
and to show up, do my best,
and just, like, try and have fun with it.
You know, inspire those around me.
[Grylls] 43 kilometers back,
the caravan of teams presses on.
The heat from the day has gone,
but navigating at night
is exponentially more difficult,
and any miscalculations
could lead to disaster.
Oh, man, we're trying to get
to Camp 4 tonight.
I'm sleepy, tired.
The trail is, like, all downhill for now.
[Nungshi] I'm excited. I just want
to get there and eat, drink, sleep.
See Dad.
I'm sure he's worried about us right now.
[Grylls] Lead teams covered the same
terrain at twice the pace,
but their focus was speed,
while the main goal for these teams
is survival.
It would be such a win to make it
to camp tonight.
[Alex] We had this big train
by the end of the night.
If you look back, there's
a good 20 headlamps back there,
just a line of people,
so it was-- it was neat to see.
We all kind of worked together.
It's been a 22-hour day for the kids.
It was a long workout.
Pretty brain-dead now. [ laughs ]
[ applause ]
Oh, man, we're so
- It was so long and endless.
- I'm so excited.
[Grylls] After trekking all day,
the caravan finally reaches Camp 4
[ applause ]
where they can get
some much-needed rest
before departing for the fifth
and final leg of the course.
Give me a hug. You're an animal.
[ all laughing ]
We could never make it here
without you, man.
You guys are unbelievable.
- I mean, what a pace. Thank you so much.
- No problem.
That was crazy.
[ laughter ]
[Grylls] As the sun rises
on the tenth day of racing
in a local village at Checkpoint 24
[ rooster crows ]
Team Flying J, a tough group comprised
of two members of military special forces
and two experienced racers,
are slow to get started.
[ groans ]
As she watches her teammates struggle,
Captain Dianette wrestles
with the harsh realities
of the World's Toughest Race.
[Guy] How long is the hike?
- Huh?
- How long is the hike?
Couple hours.
Yeah?
You need to talk.
You need to be honest.
You've been walking funny for days.
You never said a word.
It hurts, there's something
really screwed up with it.
[Dianette] You know, we just thought
Guy had twisted his knee.
No idea his-- it was--
You know, he had a deep gash on his leg,
um, that got horribly infected,
and that's what's making it swell.
Come on, man.
We only got one more medallion to get.
[ groaning ]
- Ow! That's good. I'm up.
- Okay?
Uh-huh.
- [ sighs in pain ]
- That's where I would ask him.
[Guy] Yeah.
I don't like seeing you
in this much pain.
There's no shame in quitting.
Oh, yes, there is.
[Dianette] You don't want to see your
teammate in pain like that. It's horrible.
I couldn't watch it.
I couldn't watch it, and now, up close,
looking at his injuries
Well, as team captain, I'm calling it.
No, no, no, no, no.
[Dianette] Guy, be realistic.
You can't do 30K like this.
- You can't even get up off the floor.
- [Guy] No. Don't do that yet.
[Dianette] Be realistic.
That right leg looks like it's doubled.
And you can have permanent damage now
if you continue on.
I know!
[Dianette] You know, I wanted him to say,
"I can't go on."
He's so stubborn.
And he wouldn't do it, so, okay,
get him the medical help he needs.
- How's the status?
- I think we're done.
- Done?
- He can't stand up.
So, he needs medical help or someone.
He literally can't stand up.
Alright.
- Sit your ass down.
- [ grunting ]
- Okay.
- Sit, sit. Come on. We got you.
You're gonna have to let me know.
Hup! Let's go!
Okay, and then slow, slow, slow.
So, we just heard on the radio that
Flying J is out of the race, sadly.
And they're gonna need
medically extracting.
So, we're almost at Checkpoint 24,
where they're coming into.
Let's get in, guys,
and we'll get him out of here.
Some people are like that.
They're so macho, they won't say,
"Oh, something hurts,"
or "Something's not right. Let's fix it."
And that obviously can end up
bringing down the whole team.
You okay, my friend?
What a difficult moment for you guys.
We're gonna get you out of here
all in one piece.
Hang tight, buddy.
Here we go.
Put him all the way in, first of all,
and then we'll slide him up.
[Dianette] What is wrong with his leg
is pretty serious.
So, thank God we're not going further, and
he's gonna get the medical help he needs.
It's not the outcome we wanted, but
I think, overall, we had a good time.
[Grylls] Teams arriving to Camp 4
are scratching and clawing their way
through this race.
[ applause, cheers ]
And their refusal to abandon hope
has put them within striking distance
of the finish.
[ applause ]
[Anna] We dragged ourselves in,
but we made it through.
[ sniffs ]
It was just-- [ sighs ]
just really hard.
[ cheering ]
Here we go!
[Grylls] The clock is always ticking,
and these teams now
have less than 55 hours
to complete the final leg of the race
before the finish line closes.
Team Iron Cowboy is feeling energized,
but they also know they still have
150 kilometers of brutal terrain to cover
in order to reach the finish line.
Do they make rider sunglasses anywhere?
These are signature
Iron Cowboy sunglasses.
When I put these on,
you know it's business time.
It's go time, baby.
[ applause ]
I know when I'm out here that I'm living
my best, truest self.
Troy and Annie,
my husband and my daughter,
they're my inspiration every single day.
I know I love them dearly,
and I'm so thankful for them.
My husband is so supportive.
He sees so clearly what I'm about,
sometimes more than I see in myself.
It's hot, man.
Hot and dry.
But, man, it is gorgeous.
Mm-hmm.
It reminded me of home.
Obviously, being close to the finish line
makes us all think of home.
None of this happens without
a real awesome wife or husband.
[James] I just decided to finish
and go home and see my kids, see my wife.
We're a really close family.
It's been a long ten days. [ sniffs ]
My kids always get me. [ sniffs ]
- Come on, James.
- I'm in.
Summon your eagle powers.
[Grylls] 38 kilometers ahead,
ace navigator Alex and his daughter,
Becca, of Team True North,
begin their rappel at Qalivuda Falls.
[Becca] This time in Fiji with my dad
has been super special.
We have kind of that drive
that just keeps pushing us forward,
and, um, I think this has been,
like, a major stride in our relationship.
That was fun.
[Alex] I'm just having a blast
spending a couple of weeks
out in the bush with my daughter.
It's a dream come true, really.
To have your daughter reach up
and hold your hand when she's little,
you kind of take that for granted,
and then it stops.
But Eco-Challenge
basically gave it back to me.
[ laughing ]
You know, I'm out there slogging through
hundreds of stream crossings,
and every time,
Becca would just reach back for my hand.
It was awesome.
It was-- it was cool
to experience that again.
Good job, Logan!
There's our final medallion.
It's only about a day and a bit
to the finish line.
- [Becca] That felt great.
- That was really good.
[Grylls] With 50 hours left
on the race clock,
teams are spread out across
more than 150 kilometers of the course.
Team Costa Rica has rebounded
from their emotional setback
[ Veronica, speaking Spanish ]
1, 2, 3 Pura Vida!
and is now pushing off
in the outrigger,
their final discipline before the finish.
12 kilometers from Camp 4,
the tightknit Aussies, Team Mad Mayrs,
are now in the back of the pack,
as they mountain bike
during the hottest part of the day.
Oh, my God.
You're in the hurt locker, eh?
- You guys
- Good day, how are you doin'?
- You've had some battles, eh?
- Thank you. Just a few.
That last leg of ocean is hard work.
We're pretty strong paddlers.
I think we're mostly looking forward
to that last leg.
- Definitely.
- And you're still smiling.
- Good for you.
- Always. Thank you.
What inspirations you are.
- Haven't killed each other yet.
- Ah, there's still time.
Yeah, there's still time. 48 hours.
Yeah, you gonna do it?
- Cheers, mate.
- Thank you very much.
You guys. You guys.
[Courtney] Thank you!
There's a lot of teams
that have been falling out behind us,
which does put us now
at the back of the pack.
But we're still ticking along
with the same attitude
and the same energy that we have
from day one.
Probably a little bit less energy now,
but it's still that same spirit
of, we're here to finish.
[ Courtney howls ]
[Grylls] Midway through Day 10,
just over a dozen teams have made it
through this punishing race.
Come on, all the way!
Well done! I love you!
[Grylls] For both the experienced teams
and rookies alike
Woo hoo! Yeah!
this is an enormous achievement
Keep pushing!
no matter what place they finish.
Woo! We are worthy!
The vivacious team of veteran racers
Team Costa Rica
had some massive highs and desperate lows
throughout this challenge.
This race helped me understand
the adventure in a different way.
[Grylls] But their invincible spirit
has prevailed,
and they've reached the finish line
with an overflow of emotion.
We were made to live and
share with one another.
We can attain many things individually
Costa Rica, pura vida!
but teamwork is very important.
That is true, "Pura Vida." True unity.
[ speaking Spanish ]
[Grylls] On the final downhill stretch
before Checkpoint 29
Team Curl is almost done with the very
last mountain biking section of this race.
Woo hoo!
[Brett]
The final bit is easy stuff for us.
We're good bikers.
We're good standup paddleboarders.
We're good paddlers.
We're feeling good.
Oh, my God, it's so fun
[Jennifer] Oh, my God.
I thought many times to myself,
"These are very fast bikers.
I kept up with them all day,
but I'm not a mountain biker."
Yeah!
Woo!
We were having fun. Like, we were just
biking and having a great time.
Woo woo!
Woo hoo hoo!
[ groans ]
- [Jennifer] We need to get
- Do you have a med kit on here?
- A medical kit
- [Jennifer] I'm trying to call medical.
[ groans ]
God, so dumb.
It's okay, dude.
- Did you lose consciousness?
- No.
[Grylls]
A race worker with medic experience
helps the team
assess Steven's condition
as night begins to fall.
Pretty tender down here.
Another main thing that took the fall
was my this part of my head, I think.
- This part up here?
- But the helmet really helped.
And then my tooth is loose,
my front left tooth.
[Medic #1] Did they dispatch
a helicopter to come?
[Medic #2] The helicopters can't fly
anymore, because it's after dark.
But they're-- they're coming in
full force, it seems.
[ phone ringing ]
- [Dr. Carachi] Hello?
- Hey, doc.
[ beeping ]
Hi, how are you doing?
I'm pretty pissed off.
Okay. How-- Are you--
Do you have much pain at the moment?
Uh, like, my middle fingernail
got completely peeled back,
so that-- that hurts.
- Um
- Okay.
My, like, right hip hurts a little bit.
And then, these, like, road rashy things
are just, like, super tingly
and kind of pissing me off.
[Grylls] After consulting a doctor,
race headquarters dispatches a vehicle
for additional medical evaluation
on Steven.
- Yeah.
- Ready?
One, two, three.
[ groaning ]
[ footsteps crunching ]
Are you guys cool if we just stop?
Yeah, of course, dude. Of course.
OK.
Absolutely. This is dude.
I just wanted to talk about it before
No, dude. This is you, man.
It's all about you.
Like, I think that
- I'm sorry, man.
- It's okay, dude.
Old Lenny Balls was going
a little too fast.
[ laughs ]
But the good thing is,
is I'm not totally beat up,
I'm just some road rash and
pissed off, more than anything.
Um
I mean, probably could finish it,
but I'm not out here trying to
prove myself in that way.
Uh
I obviously want to stay in the game
for my teammates, but
I think we have a general understanding
that we want to
[ laughs ] take care of ourselves, um
and our relationships are much more
lasting than just this race.
I think that's probably the main takeaway
at this point.
[ sniffs ] We were close.
But
it's more important to have a friend.
[ general chatter ]
But he's okay.
It was hard.
You don't like to see
your friends get hurt.
Um, we are going to take you
to hospital in Lautoka,
which is probably about
an hour's drive from here.
It was a great race 'til then.
It still is, 'cause he's alive,
and we're all happy,
and we came out, we're all friends
Would have been nice to finish, but,
you know, maybe we'll get it next year.
- This guy's more important.
- Brilliant. Okay. That's good.
If we stay, like, oriented to
"we didn't finish the race"
as that being, like, the only goal
that there was,
then it's like a really myopic view
of what just happened the last week.
I'm so proud of Team Curl.
We had a good time. [ chuckles ]
But we also grinded a lot and found a way
to, like, push through and do what we did.
[Grylls] It's Day 11, as dawn breaks
at Checkpoint 30.
Teams are setting out on the outriggers
for the final 43 kilometers of the race.
The unruly ocean is now the only thing
separating Team Khukuri Warriors
from their dream to cross the finish line
at the World's Toughest Race.
[Nungshi] Oh, my God.
We are so close to the cutoff.
Alright, guys, we're gonna make it.
Are you guys excited?
But the ugly truth is, there's this water,
there's the fast current,
the wind's blowing
what are we gonna do?
I'm not a good swimmer.
In the back of my mind, I'm like,
"If we drown, if the boat capsizes,
what's gonna happen?" Like
there is that element of fear still,
but I feel like when we started,
our message was to inspire
the girls of our country
to go beyond the impossible.
Guys, if we capsize, we lose everything.
So, we just gotta keep moving,
keep moving,
and we gotta try as hard as we can
to reach the finish line.
[Grylls]
Not far behind at Checkpoint 29
[ guitar being strummed ]
[ man speaking Fijian ]
the two Fijian teams, Tabu Soro
and Namako, have joined forces again.
[ singing in Fijian ]
Together, they press on to the final
standup paddle, to Checkpoint 30.
- Oh-oh-oh!
- Go, Fiji, go!
Yeah, man, it's so cool. [ laughs ]
It was hard the last couple days
to be able to breathe and move,
and I slowed our team down a little bit,
but there was no option of pulling out.
I've just got to deal with the pain
and finish together.
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go, Fiji, go!
[Alivate] The pressure was there
to finish the race,
because of how people
were reacting to us,
and how they cheered us on and made us
feel proud of what we were doing.
There was no way
we were going to quit, you know?
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go, Fiji, go!
And the two Fijian teams right at
the back, still smiling, still going,
showing that wonderful, warm,
powerful, strong Fijian spirit.
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go for it, guys! Good for you!
- Go, Fiji, go!
- Oh-oh-oh!
Go, Fiji, go!
[Grylls] Ahead of the finish line,
American team Iron Cowboy
arrives battered and bruised,
but certainly not beaten,
as they rush to meet their families
for an emotional reunion.
Team Iron Cowboy! Woo!
[ cheering and shouting ]
I feel good.
Man, what a feeling to finish
an adventure like this.
Ahh!
[ all yelling ]
If you were to take 10 consecutive
Ironmans-- it's called a Deca--
and you compare it against this,
this is way harder.
There's a lot of sacrifice that goes
into this, especially with families.
I've got four beautiful girls, a son,
and my amazing wife.
But I believe there's a lot of
life lessons that can be taught.
Grit. Resilience. Persistence.
Dedication. Hard work. Never quit.
Oh, I love you.
I love you.
Nothing great is ever accomplished
on our own.
[ all cheering ]
[ applause ]
I want to shed a tear
of just sadness that it's over,
because I had a fairly major breakdown
a couple years ago.
[ cheers and applause ]
[Sonja] I learned some huge lessons
from an emotional standpoint,
in the best way possible,
that I couldn't have gotten
without this race,
without going down to the core.
Building yourself back up
from being broken
is something I finally
can be really proud of.
[ laughing ]
[ cheering ]
Yeah!
If you believe in yourself, it doesn't
matter who loves you, who hates you.
If you're living your truth and
you have that deep belief in yourself,
that's all that you need.
[Grylls] As the remaining teams
struggle towards the end
How long we got to get to this island?
I'll tell you when we get there.
half of the field have now conquered
the World's Toughest Race.
Woo!
Hello!
[ music ]
[ speaking Spanish ] We made it.
[ sighs ]
[Grylls] After 11 days of sheer effort,
heart, and purpose,
the finish line is finally in the sights
of Team Khukuri Warriors.
[ applause and cheers ]
[Tashi] This race has transformed me
in a lot of ways.
To make it to the finish line,
it feels like,
you know, like, this is the best feeling
I've ever had in my life.
Hey, girls! Woo!
I am super excited.
I mean, it's one of the life-changing
moments for all of us in the family,
and it's a giant leap for my daughters.
You just made history, girls.
You know that?
For the last ten days, they have defied
every obstacle and adventure,
and then too, like,
against all expectations,
then to finish today,
this is huge.
Well done, you!
[ applause ]
You are unbelievable.
And you're running across the finish line.
I would say Eco-Challenge, in comparison
to the stamina and endurance
and physical fitness,
this was tougher than Everest,
hands down.
And to do it with my sister
was even more special,
'cause, I mean, having her
is such a blessing.
And, like, she's like my safety pin,
you know.
If I need her, she'll be there.
Thank you so much.
I'm so proud of you.
And now, through this experience,
we are hoping that
girls are going to feel
so much more inspired,
seeing that we made it on the finish line
and use that in their own lives
as a positive metaphor
to get through the challenges
every single time
they ever doubt their path.
[Grylls] As night falls,
there's just over 12 hours left
in the World's Toughest Race.
With teams still fighting their way
to the finish,
the young Australian rookies,
Team Mad Mayrs,
have beaten the odds
and can call themselves finishers.
[ all cheering ]
[ applause ]
- Sorry we took so long!
- Yeah!
You guys, the Mad Mayrs,
have just completed
the World's Toughest Race.
Come on!
[ all cheering ]
[Grylls] Can you believe you've done it?
Yeah, go on.
Yeah, I just nothing.
She likes to have a cry when she's happy.
[Grylls] You've given so much.
- Aww.
- You've given so much.
[Courtney] I definitely think this race
has made me a better person.
I'm terrified of heights.
I'm terrified of falling.
I'm terrified of slipping.
And the fact that I was able to ascend
up two different waterfalls
and to rappel
at like 2:00 in the morning,
to get through that with my teammates
and push past
and actually conquer
a personal fear of mine,
like, it's the most
incredible experience.
Okay. The important bit.
- [ gasps ]
- Aw, yay!
I'm so appreciative and so grateful
I got the chance
to push myself beyond my boundaries.
- Hard earned. Hard work.
- I'm a hugger. Thank you.
[Tyson] We've been looking forward
to this moment for ten days.
Every time we're suffering,
every time we're hurting,
we've been looking forward
to this moment of finishing.
Woo!
[ all cheering ]
So, to have that champagne in there
and see our names up on the board,
see everyone smile,
we're all still there beautiful.
[Grylls] It's the final day
of the World's Toughest Race.
The 12 noon cutoff is looming
for those remaining few teams
still on the course,
as more teams continue to finish.
- Woo hoo!
- Woo!
[ applause ]
[Alex] To finish it,
and to do that with my daughter,
it is just icing on the cake.
I think this is probably the happiest
I've ever been after finishing a race.
[ cheering ]
Woo!
[Grylls] With merely a couple of
hours left on the race clock,
Tabu Soro and Namako's
combined perseverance has paid off,
as the two Fijian teams have
the finish line within their grasp.
[ music ]
Woo!
Pick it up, boys!
Go, Fiji!
[William] To cross the finish line
of the World's Toughest Race
is a proud moment for all of us,
to represent Fiji.
I'm proud of you guys!
[William] That will resonate
in the hearts of the Fijians
as the first teams in Fiji
to ever finish an Eco-Challenge.
Woo hoo!
We were very happy, because now,
we experienced this place
in a whole different way.
We see it in a whole different light,
you know?
It's a really special place.
It's a really beautiful place.
And I got to share it with
some special people, you know,
and here we are.
Woo!
Yes! Yes, man!
Woo hoo!
[Uri] Sometimes,
you got to just push on,
and on the other side
of that pain is reward.
I think that's a life value.
This was a 10-day training camp
for life in general,
'cause you just learn so much from it.
[ all singing ] For Fiji ♪
Ever Fiji ♪
Her name hails far and wide ♪
A land of freedom ♪
Hope and glory ♪
To endure whatever befalls ♪
- Hip, hip
- Hooray!
[ all cheering ]
What an amazing two teams you've been.
You're great friends, you're resilient,
you're tough, you never gave up.
You've just completed
the World's Toughest Race.
[ all cheering ]
The message that I hope that people
get out of this is to try,
because if you think
that you can't do something,
well, then you won't do it.
But if you give it a shot,
you never know.
Just like we did.
[Grylls] The past 11 days on this
undeniably brutal yet breathtaking race
has carved a lasting impression
on each and every racer.
[Travis] These kind of races,
they humble you.
They teach you that you
are not in control.
Our family has, um, an uncertain future.
I love you so much
I think it's really important to stay in
the moment and tackle what may come.
[Grylls] Whether they crossed
the finish line or fell short,
all 264 athletes
from 30 different countries
have given every last piece of themselves
to this experience.
[Tashi] It was the people.
We just loved them.
And you realize that we're all
one big family.
And to feel that pulse of this place
was so powerful.
[Grylls]
From the unpredictable environment
that is Fiji's magnificent landscape,
to the friendships tested
and newly formed,
this race challenged every competitor's
physical and mental fortitude.
[Anna] This race has really shown me that
we can do so much more than we think,
if we just try.
[Emma] At the end is a bunch
of experiences that forms you,
and I think you're a more
human person.
[Grylls] Each athlete has left
their own mark as well,
both within the history of this epic race
and, more importantly, within themselves.
[Clifton] All the walls that you've put up
about yourself are just torn down.
You are more uniquely yourself than you
ever built at any other time in your life.
It literally changed me.
[Mark] A lot of people
with Alzheimer's disease will see this.
That's the best thing I could do
with my life right now,
is to make people aware
that life is still good.
Continue on,
and do everything that you can.
[Bob Haugh]
This experience reassures me
that I still like
doing this kind of stuff.
I'll do it as long as
I can keep the wheels rolling.
[Nathan] You know, there's
a Toughest Race out there for everyone.
I think someone who works too hard
and decides they want to go
and do a 5-mile race,
well, that, for them,
that's their World's Toughest Race.
I just really encourage people to get
out there and find their Toughest Race,
whatever that may be.
[Grylls] This may be the end
of this year's race,
but the memories of lessons taken
from Fiji will last a lifetime
in the hearts and minds of everyone who
was part of the World's Toughest Race.
[ music ]
[ roaring ]