Race Across the World stars, Emon Choudhury and Harrison Devine, appeared on BBC Breakfast to pay tribute to Sam Gardiner10:51, 30 May 2026Participants from every series of BBC's Race Across the World will take part in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday in memory of former contestant Sam Gardiner.‌In 2020, BBC viewers saw Sam participate in the popular TV show with his mum, Jo. Although the pair didn't win the show, they stole the nation's hearts as they travelled across South America.‌Sam tragically died in hospital following injuries from a car crash in May 2025. The 24-year-old had been driving on the A34 near Manchester before his vehicle, which had insufficient tyre tread, left the road and rolled before coming to a stop on its side.‌Honouring Sam's memory and paying tribute, participants from every series of BBC's Race Across the World will run in memory of the former contestant at the Great Manchester Run on Sunday.Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, Emon Choudhury, who won the second series that featured Sam, and recent contestant Harrison Devine spoke about the race.‌Host Sarah Campbell said: "Just looking back at those images of Sam, I mean, he seemed like a really lovely guy. You sort of knew him. I know you sort of travel separately, but you spend time together as well."To which Emon responded: "Yeah, I think with Sam, I think when we got together at checkpoints, we sort of like 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."‌Emon 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."We're going to be running in memory of Sam. For the person he was, his love of life, you know, he was more than a handful. I know Jo will be watching today, will probably have tears in her eyes. But we're all there to support each other.‌"Our experience that we had is just, it's one in a million. So, yeah, we'll be taking part in the Great North Run Manchester 10K and we'll be supporting an amazing charity that's close to us all, and that's The Christie Charity."Meanwhile, Harrison said of taking part: "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 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."Article continues belowBBC Breakfast continues at 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.