It started as a TV show between 10 people and five vehicles across some of the harshest terrain known to man; it ended as an experience seen by millions, with one team taking home a $100,000 prize. The History Channel‘s Alaska Off Road Warriors was one of the first and most notable reality series to have made its way through a full season on the small screen, and for better or worse, it has exposed to the average Joe what off-roading is like.

Rich and Carl’s “Super Jeep” navigated through a patch of rocks on Day 15 of the race.

Covering some of the meanest grounds in North America, viewers were treated to all sorts of mayhem (and much-maligned “drama”) that either made you roll your eyes or put you on the edge of your couch. From the rough-and-tumble Leigh brothers in the trusty ’86 4Runner to the old-timers Rich and Carl in the suped-up ’42 Willys, there was plenty of personality to go around amidst the treacherous and unforgiving terrain.

Starting from below Anchorage and ending way up north in Deadhorse, it took the teams more than two weeks to traverse nearly 600-miles up and down mountains, over rivers, and yes, through some serious muck and mud, but only one was able to be crowned the champion of it all. The final episode, which can now be viewed on History Channel’s website, documents the last leg of the race and how it all went down.

Shey and Pete’s 3rd-gen 4Runner had to pick good lines to get across the rock patch.

Leading the pack was “Super Jeep,” outfitted with a 350 small block V8, locking axles, and a host of other upgrades that proved their worth along the journey. At a total time of 117 hours, 18 minutes, and 6 seconds, Rich and Carl were holding tight to first place with close to three hours to spare against the runner-up, Butch and Bill in their 60 Series Land Cruiser, who had a total of 12o hours, 8 minutes, and 43 seconds.

In third and fourth place were the 4Runner sibling teams Pete and Shey Lannigan and Brent and Scott Leigh, respectively. Bringing up the rear was the 1964 Land Rover Defender (a.k.a. “Rover Two”) piloted by Jason and Glen. Although disqualified due to an earlier breakdown of their original SUV, Rover Two was still in it for the respect and glory of having completed the adventure.

At almost a mile above sea level, Super Jeep had to crawl through fog with cliffs on either side of a narrow road.

After navigating through some hardy mountainous roads that went as high as 5000-feet above sea level, each team made it to the Dalton Highway, regarded as one of the most dangerous and isolated roads in the world. This was reinforced by the government-provided escort vehicle that forced each team to stop at a checkpoint and await safe passage through.

The Leigh brothers’ 4Runner had to winch itself out of a rocky river.

First to the finish line were the Lannigans, followed shortly by Butch and Bill in “War Wagon.” Super Jeep had to switch to a patched spare tire halfway through the Dalton, and fortunately made it out okay in third. Rover Two finished in tip-top shape as number four, leaving just the Leigh brothers to show up.

Sadly, a breakdown in the four-cylinder motor put the kibosh on the Leighs’ completion. Having been driven on level road at the time and with no previous mishaps to point at, it made the sting of defeat all the more painful as the two men had to abandon their 4×4 and try hitchhiking to the nearest town.

War Wagon hauled ass down the Dalton Highway on Day 16.

Back at the winner’s circle, the win went to Rich and Carl with the lowest overall time of 130 hours, 46 minutes, and 52 seconds. Second place went to War Wagon with 133 hours, 29 minutes, and 46 seconds, and the Lannigans took home the bronze with 138 hours, 49 minutes, and 35 seconds.

Needless to say, Super Jeep and her passengers proved themselves worthy of the King title and $100,000 purse. Ingenuity, preparation, and determination were the big deciding factors in the team’s victory, one that they’ll get to remember for the rest of their lives.

History Channel has yet to announce plans for a second season, but given the success of the first one, we can’t imagine the higher-ups at the network would say no. What do you think? Has the show proven itself to be worthy of a follow-up? Or could you do without another go-around? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Congratulations to Rich, Carl, and Super Jeep for winning this epic race!