Endless laughter? Check. OA challenges? Double check. Unpredictable fun? All of these are ticked off in Running Man! With its crazy missions and hilarious cast composed of Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Ji Seok-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-Hyo, and Yang Se-chan, this iconic Korean variety program has captivated audiences for over a decade. And if you haven’t been following the show, it could be hard to know where to start, especially with over 700 episodes and even some live shows — like the one they held here in Manila in 2023!

In fact, the runners are returning to Manila soon with Running Man “RUN 2 U” in Manila on July 6, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets range from PHP 3,000 to 12,500 and are available via SM Tickets website and outlets nationwide.

In preparation for the show, we’ve selected some of our favorite episodes that showcase everything the show offers. From intense competitiveness and heartwarming teamwork to hilarious plot twists and a wide range of guest stars, here are 8 Running Man episodes that will get you hooked and cackling in laughter:

Episode 1

As the episode that started it all, this one is truly for the books. While half of the original cast members (Gary, Song Joong Ki, and Lee Kwang Soo) have left the show, it was still memorable, with the runners being locked in a landmark during closed hours and required to leave before opening hours.

Episode 42

This episode was the first time the runners were pitted against each other, making each of them compete for the title of the first-ever individual winner in Running Man. All they have to do is tear off each other’s name tags, and the last man with their name tag wins. Unfortunately, everyone is out to get anyone, so it’s difficult — but a lot of hilarity ensues with each member for themselves!

Episode 63

In this episode, each runner is paired with a member of SNSD a.k.a. Girls’ Generation (namely, Hyoyeon, Seohyun, Taeyeon, Yoona, Yuri, and former member Jessica), which puts the duos against each other to become the episode’s best couple. Here, the Girls’ Generation members actively participated in the games, adding to the entertainment and hilarity along with the then-all-male runners.

Episode 69

Among the variety show’s mini-series, the one with Choi Min-soo is possibly the most popular, thanks to Choi Min-soo’s ability to put fear into every member of Running Man. And in this episode, it’s Choi Min-soo against Yoo Jae-suk, with Jae-suk having to save the members while Min-soo hunts them down.

Episode 74

This is the first episode featuring superpowers, and even now, the runners continue to reference this iconic episode. From Space Controller and Tme Controller to Duplicator and Death Note, each runner had a unique superpower, and they had to defeat each other to win. The prize? An all-expense paid trip to Europe!

Episode 178

The runners are put against not guest stars or even each other but the production team! They go head-to-head in various challenges and games to earn Running Balls. It’s so memorable that even the result has a plot twist!

Episode 300

Dubbed “7 vs 300”, this episode features the 7 runners playing against all sorts of 300! 300 people, 300-meter essay, 300 bowls, 300 kilograms, and 300 boxes. They even competed with global superstar BTS!

Episode 626

An episode that is probably close to Filipinos’ hearts, this one features our very own “Pambansang Kamao” or “Pacman.” Before his exhibition match with DK Yoo, eight-world division title boxer Manny Pacquiao played various fun games with the runners in South Korea.

What’s your favorite Running Man episode?

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