Ep 1. 3, 2, 1
- August 14, 2020
- 45 min
-
6.9 (97)
Host Bear Grylls flies over the picturesque but rugged terrain of the island nation of Fiji, introducing the arena for this year's "World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji." Bear welcomes the 66 teams and explains some of the basic rules before releasing them to their four-man indigenous canoes. As the expedition begins, chaos ensues as several teams capsize their boats, including returning Eco Challenge champions - Team New Zealand. They right themselves and continue on their river paddle to the open ocean, passing several teams along the way. The first all African American team - Team Onyx is introduced and explains their motivation for competing. A top US team from Oregon, Team Bend Racing is the early leader, setting a fast pace in the ocean paddle that only a few teams can maintain. Farther back in the field, there are several rookie teams competing, including Team Unbroken - comprised of wounded military veterans, Team Khukuri Warriors - a team featuring twin sisters and mountaineers from India, Team Endure - a father and son team with a unique bond, and Team Able Abels - a father racing alongside his two young daughters. After navigating the open ocean to the island of Ovalau, teams embark on a 20km trek up and around an ancient volcanic crater as the treacherously hot conditions begin to claim their first racers. Team Bend Racing is forced to slow their pace to accommodate an overheating team member. and are passed by many teams including Team New Zealand who claim the lead for the first time. A team of American triathletes, Team Iron Cowboy explains their shared motivation for racing as they trek. As the sun sets on Race Day 1, the race leaders - Team New Zealand free dive to the ocean floor to retrieve a coveted race medallion. Meanwhile, slower teams on the island trek suffer through the conditions, as Team Unbroken makes a crucial navigational decision. Team Bend Racing struggles with fallen teammate preventing them from rejoining the race.