Are you ready for another race? Well, you better be ready because there are no rest periods.

Are you ready for another race? Well, you better be ready because there are no rest periods. Survival Race: New Zealand!

Last week, the racers completed the third dangerous race, which sent them into a nightmare-filled cave. For the fourth race, they’d keep things just above sea level, but it was still full of surprises. There was no longer a 12-hour race clock, meaning the survivors were free to continue racing through the jungle under the cover of darkness. What could go wrong?

Here’s what happened in episode 7 of Survival Race: New Zealand, “Kahurangi Coast.”

Race 4, Day 1

After the third race had beaten both the ultramarathoners and the awesome moms, there were only five teams left. Slowly, we made our way to the final three teams, and the fourth race presented one of the most difficult navigational challenges ever.

The fourth race is called Kahuranghi, and while there are no caves this time, it’s just as crazy. First, they have to navigate to a cliff and do something called “slope boarding.” This is one of those activities we didn’t know existed before, but it’s basically like Ninja Warrior, except you’re on the side of a cliff above a pool of raging water.

After cruising along the coast, the contestants must make their way into the jungle for miles and miles through the undergrowth. After a short break in the jungle and an optional food cache, the final area is a jungle maze with a plethora of winding hunting paths. Only one path leads to a survival chest.

As if this course wasn’t already complicated, they added an extra little caveat. Instead of a 12-hour race clock, there are no time restrictions on the fourth race. Runners are free to run into the night, and can choose to camp whenever and wherever they want. It may sound dangerous, but that’s what these runners love.

Another day, another injury.

As race four began, everyone was feeling the pressure. With only five teams on the track, it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay off the bottom.

Of course, the River Guides were the unbeatable team, so the Smokejumpers felt like trying to take them on, literally. They started running along the beach, trying to create a good pace and put some distance between the other teams.

Normally, Hunters, Ryan and Bronson were at the front. These three teams were at the front throughout every race. However, for the first time this season, Hunters showed signs of struggle.

Ryan fell during the second race and hurt his knee. We heard him occasionally comment on his knee, but for the most part he was just doing his best. In the fourth race, the pain crept in, slowing him down considerably.

At this point, three teams have suffered injuries ranging from concussions to sprains. With Ryan’s knee injury, it’s starting to look like the father-daughter duo could be the fourth team to retire due to injury. Add to that the fact that this track allows racers to run late into the night, and it sounds like a recipe for disaster.

12 hours and counting

For the first time in Race to Survive, the race clock passed the 12-hour mark. Normally when the clock strikes the 12-hour mark, racers are required to stop where they are and camp for the night. Instead, they had complete control over whether or not they wanted to keep pushing.

This surprise added an extra element of endurance to an already grueling race. No one wanted to be the first team to call it quits at night and risk losing their place in the race. As night fell, the runners pressed on, no matter how dangerous it was to trek through the forest in pitch darkness.

The Smokejumpers and River Guides held on to the lead with Pauina and Creighton close behind. In fourth place, the Hunters were slowly making their way through the track, all while trying to ease the pain of Ryan’s injury.

Last, but certainly not least, was the Oil Riggers. The Canadian duo opted for a slower pace throughout this race, stating that they wanted to stay safe throughout all the obstacles in Race 4. With so many injuries occurring this season, going slow and trying not to break bones might actually be the smarter strategy.

Creighton massacre

Throughout this season of Race to Survive, Creighton has made it abundantly clear that his motivation is food. He was the first person to track down goose eggs. He learned how to hunt snakes. This week, Creighton went on a full-on killing spree.

As he and Paulina make their way through the woods, he sees a cute little hedgehog, relaxing and minding his own business. Thanks to the stress of this show, Crito doesn’t see the innocent creature living in the woods. He sees dinner, and he kills it right there in cold blood.

Moments later, Crito spots another hedgehog, which he kills too. Paulina can’t watch, and suddenly, their divorce makes more sense.

Eventually, the Rippers caught up with the River Men, which is rare. When they arrived, Creighton revealed that he had killed four hedgehogs! Four. His bag was covered in blood. Maybe some PETA member is filing a complaint somewhere by now.

After showing off his bag full of urchin carcasses, he decided to walk down to the river and clean out their guts. Then the unthinkable happened. A sea serpent swam straight towards Criton, and he grabbed it with his bare hands. Seriously, it was crazy.

We’ve seen plenty of triumphant moments on Race to Survive so far, but Creighton’s excitement in catching a sea snake will be unmatched. New Zealand has changed this man.

Smoke Jumpers Cross the Finish Line

While the rest of the competitors decided to stop competing for the night, the competitors continued to jump off the highest air ramps and advance down the course. Who needs sleep when there is a life box to work hard for?

One factor that helped motivate the smokejumpers was the fact that it was the anniversary of Ethan’s father’s death. Both Ethan and Terry said they were drawing strength from their late loved ones to keep going. And it worked. In an incredible feat of athleticism, the smokejumpers crossed the finish line in first place after covering 25 miles in more than 20 hours.

As first place winners, they got first choice in the survival kit. They chose a large box of kiwis. Would they have preferred a giant piece of bacon? Maybe. Either way, the racers were thrilled to have come in first place. Meanwhile, the rest of the racers were scattered around the track, eating hedgehogs and nursing their injuries. Suddenly, it seemed as if the dynamics of this race were changing.

Race to Survive: New Zealand continues on USA Network, Monday nights at 11/10c.

Tell us – what are your thoughts on RACE TO SURVIVE: NEW ZEALAND EPISODE 7? Do you think the Hunters will pull out of the race? Were you surprised to see the Smokejumpers finish in first place in race four?