There’s no better way to enjoy a friendship than globe-trotting around the world experiencing various cultures and adventure along the way. After 17 seasons of The Amazing Race, finally an all-girl team has crossed the finish line first.

Doctors and friends Nat and Kat overcame their fears and the competition to win The Amazing Race 17. From boxing to speed skating, seemingly physical tasks throughout the race have often favored the stronger male-male or male-female teams in past seasons. For Nat and Kat, street smarts and attention to detail won out over the physical challenges.

Though not necessarily the frontrunners going into the final leg, the doctors stepped up to overcome the dreaded (and frightening) bungee jump, and were quick to master the final game of matching greeters and hats from each of the 11 pit stops. Interestingly enough, the first-place and second-place teams both were female-female partnerships.

While Nat and Kat are now the first all-female team to win the American version of The Amazing Race, they are not the fist-ever to win. Since its U.S. premiere in 2001, the race franchise has expanded to include versions in Asia, Brazil, China, Israel, Latin America and Australia. Winners in 2005 (Asia) and 2007 (Brazil) also ended with the girls coming through first.

Even the American version of The Amazing Race is a truly international event. In the most recent season, teams visited England, Ghana, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Oman, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and South Korea. It was the first time the show had taken teams across the Arctic Circle. Prizes for winning each leg are also international, including trips to Hawaii, Belize, Costa Rica, Brazil and Argentina.

While the American version of The Amazing Race is broadcast around the world, the franchise has also expanded into other countries. China, Israel and Brazil production ended after only one season, but in addition to the original, the show is currently airing both the Asia and Latin American versions. Australia is also in production of their first season which is slated to debut in 2011.

The Amazing Race franchise has enjoyed huge success over the years since the first debut season in 2001. The original series itself is a winner, having dominated the Primetime Emmy’s for Outstanding Reality Program in 7 of the last 8 years (displaced by Top Chef this year). The show’s production has also been nominated for awards in audio and video editing.