Adventure and Remembrance: A Journey on Race Across the World

Thu Apr 02 2026 13:56:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mark Blythen and Margo Oakley embark on an unforgettable adventure in Race Across the World, honoring the last wishes of Mark's late wife, Julia. Their unique bond, shaped over decades of family ties and challenges, adds a compelling layer to this reality competition.

Mark Blythen and Margo Oakley, the first in-laws to compete on the BBC show Race Across the World, participate in the journey as a tribute to Mark's late wife, Julia. Their relationship has evolved from friction to friendship, fueled by Julia's desire for them to remain close after her passing from cancer. The show starts on April 2, and promises a blend of joy and sorrow as they navigate the challenges ahead.

When Margo Oakley, now 59, first met her older sister's boyfriend Mark Blythen, 67, her impressions were far from favorable. Mark was perceived as 'po-faced' and 'judgey', sharing an equally lukewarm view of Margo, who he found 'loud and wild'. However, over 40 years later, they have united as the first set of in-laws to compete on the BBC show Race Across the World, which offers a £20,000 prize for the first duo to reach the finish line without modern conveniences.

Their participation is not merely for competition; it is a heartfelt tribute to Julia, Mark's late wife and Margo's sister, who passed away from myelofibrosis in 2022. They reveal that the choice to enter this intense challenge stemmed from Julia's last wishes, wanting them to forge a stronger bond despite their historical differences.

Mark and Julia had a history that began in the student days at Huddersfield Polytechnic, through a rather unconventional start that included Margo briefly dating Julia's ex. Yet, love flourished, and Mark emphasizes Julia's brilliance and zest for life as the anchor of their family. Days of shared friction transformed into a close relationship during Julia's illness, which was exacerbated by a stem-cell transplant that ultimately failed.

As the race begins on April 2, Margo reflects on how Julia's spirit continues to guide them, revealing the importance of joy alongside sorrow in life's journey. Mark describes how their relationship has developed, emphasizing community and connection. The experience not only honors Julia’s memory but also embodies the complexities of familial love and resilience. Together, they are ready to face the challenges of the race, embracing both the highs and lows that lie ahead.

Mark and Margo's story is one of adventure interwoven with grief, demonstrating the beauty of human connections that evolve even through the toughest times.