Have You Got What It Takes?
In the spirit of Race Across the World, Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club is inviting adventurers to take part in Race Across Norfolk 2026, all in support of Thrive Autism.
Taking place across Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September, 12 teams will race across Norfolk navigating unexpected twists, checkpoints and challenges along the way. With no internet, limited budget and only basic tools, teams must rely on teamwork, resilience and smart decision-making to reach the finish line.
This is a unique opportunity to experience Norfolk in a completely different way while raising vital funds to support neurodivergent children, young people and families across our community. Participants will embark on a demanding two-day adventure across Norfolk, navigating with nothing more than an OS map and a basic mobile phone for emergencies.
Inspired by the BBC Race Across the World, teams of two must travel on a strict £50 budget, relying on their navigation skills, resourcefulness and teamwork to reach a series of checkpoints before the finish. Throughout the weekend, competitors will face a series of physical, mental and logistical challenges that test decision making under pressure, adaptability and resilience, all while raising funds for Thrive Autism and Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club. The event is designed to reconnect participants with the outdoors, encourage genuine human interaction and prove that adventure does not depend on technology, but on determination, creativity and collaboration.
Fresh from their extraordinary 2025 BBC Race Across the World victory, Caroline and Tom captivated the audience at the launch event, with an honest and uplifting account of the challenges they faced, the resilience they discovered and the strength of their mother-and-son relationship throughout their journey.
Guests were given a unique opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the BBC’s most popular television series, with the pair encouraging attendees to embrace new opportunities, believe in themselves and never underestimate what can be achieved through teamwork and determination.
Caroline and Tom said:
“It was a real privilege to spend the evening with everyone at Thrive Autism and Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club. Meeting so many passionate volunteers and supporters reminded us that the greatest journeys aren’t always the ones across continents, they’re the ones made by communities coming together to make a lasting difference. We hope our story encourages others to step outside their comfort zone and support the incredible work these organisations are doing.”
Colin Lang MBE, Chairman of Thrive Autism, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Caroline and Tom for giving their time and sharing such an inspiring story. Their warmth, honesty and determination resonated with everyone in the room. Events like this are only possible because of the continued generosity of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers, and we’re delighted to have celebrated alongside our friends at Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club, whose commitment to supporting local communities mirrors our own.”
To support, visit https://fundraising.rotaryeastanglia.co.uk/event/race-across-norfolk-2026
