Race Across the World brothers applied to defy age

Brian and Melvyn Mole, two brothers in their 60s, embarked on an incredible journey that began at the Great Wall of China. They participated in a television series called Race Across the World, where they aimed to demonstrate that age should not limit one's ability to take on exciting challenges. The brothers were among five teams racing over a staggering distance of more than 14,000 kilometers, which is approximately 8,700 miles, across various countries including China, Nepal, and India. The ultimate prize for the winning team was £20,000. Melvyn, who resides in Middlesbrough, shared his motivation for joining the race, saying, 'I saw the first series and I thought, could I do that? And of course I could. ' After deciding to apply, Melvyn faced the task of finding a partner for the adventure. Initially, he wanted his wife to join him, but she declined. Consequently, he reached out to Brian, who took some time to consider the offer but ultimately agreed. Brian humorously remarked, 'I think Melvyn ran out of friends who would want to go on it with him. ' The brothers were excited to embark on this thrilling adventure together. As children, Melvyn and Brian learned essential skills such as using a compass and reading maps. They reminisced about their childhood experiences of jumping on trains and getting lost in the Peak District, but they always managed to find their way back home. Melvyn stated, 'When we were kids we could read a compass, we could read a map and we would jump on trains and end up in the middle of the Peak District and get lost. And we're still here. ' These skills proved invaluable during their journey across the world. However, the brothers encountered several challenges along the way. One significant difficulty was explaining to others that they could not use their mobile phones during the race. Melvyn emphasized that the skills they acquired in their youth prepared them well for the adventure ahead. Another challenging aspect of the experience was dealing with the camera crew that accompanied them throughout the race. Melvyn expressed that it was quite uncomfortable to be around the crew while they were eating. He explained, 'One of the most awkward feelings is you have to be with [the crew] when they're eating. They'll order from the restaurant to the table. They'll get burgers, chips, they'll go to McDonald's - and you're sitting with what you can afford. It is torture, especially if they're having a beer. ' Despite these hurdles, the brothers cherished their time together and felt a sense of pride in what they achieved. They proved that age is merely a number and that anyone can take on significant challenges if they have the determination and belief in themselves.