Running Man Episode 766 Recap: Running Sports University Prize Battle & Kim Jong Kook’s Marriage Announcement
Overview of Running Man Episode 766
Aired on August 24, 2025, Running Man Episode 766, titled "Running Sports University Prize Battle," brought a mix of athletic challenges, Pixar-inspired fun, and a shocking announcement from Kim Jong Kook. Set in the fictional Running Sports University with a whimsical Pixar theme, the episode featured regular cast members Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, Haha, Song Ji Hyo, Jee Seok Jin, Yang Se Chan, and Ji Ye Eun, alongside judo stars Kim Ha Yoon and Kim Min Jong. The episode culminated in a couple-themed race, with surprise guests Jang Dong Yoon and Kim Ah Young, adding to the hilarity.
Kim Jong Kook’s Marriage Announcement
The episode’s biggest moment was Kim Jong Kook revealing he is getting married, stunning the cast and fans alike. Known for his privacy, Jong Kook shared the news quietly, prompting emotional reactions from Yu Jae Seok and Song Ji Hyo. The announcement set a joyful tone, with the cast teasing his secrecy and celebrating his milestone. This led to a humorous twist, as the episode’s couple race took place at a wedding hall, sparking playful speculation about a wedding event for Jong Kook.
Games and Challenges
The episode revolved around the "Prize Battle Race," where teams competed for Running Balls to enter prize raffles. Failure to win a prize resulted in a penalty. The teams, led by Ha Yoon and Min Jong, showcased their athletic prowess and comedic chemistry.
1. Running Sock Hunters
Teams battled to remove opponents’ name tags or socks, each marked with numbers totaling 6 points. Team Ha Yoon (Ha Yoon, Jong Kook, Se Chan, Haha, Ji Hyo) dominated against Team Min Jong (Min Jong, Jae Seok, Daniel, Ye Eun, Seok Jin), earning 24 Running Balls to Team Min Jong’s 12. Highlights included Ha Yoon overpowering Jae Seok and Ye Eun, and Se Chan’s surprise kiss on Min Jong during a scuffle.
2. Reach the Right Answer
Players fought with pillows on a cylindrical platform to grab answer sheets for quiz questions. Team Ha Yoon won 3-2, earning 20 Running Balls to Team Min Jong’s 15. Notable moments included Ji Hyo’s fierce pillow-fighting and Ha Yoon’s incorrect “esterterone” answer for estrogen/testosterone. The teams won Chinese food dishes (jjamppong, tangsuyuk, jjajangmyeon) based on correct answers.
3. Escape the Heat Fashion Show
Teams unwrapped and wore frozen T-shirts, with Team Min Jong winning by a single T-shirt, earning 30 Running Balls to Team Ha Yoon’s 20. Min Jong and Ha Yoon’s strength shone, ripping apart T-shirts with ease.
Prize Raffles and Penalties
Running Balls were used to bid for prizes, with strategic choices determining exemptions from penalties. The results:
- Yang Se Chan Gift Set (Batteries & Washer Fluid, 3 winners): Jong Kook (2 sets), Ji Hyo.
- Fruit Set (1 winner): Daniel (Haha’s 10-ball strategy failed).
- Summer Set (Tumbler & Flamingo Tube, 2 winners): Ha Yoon, Ye Eun.
- Luxury Body Lotion Set (1 winner): Jong Kook.
- Korean Beef Set (1 winner): Seok Jin.
- 1.875g Gold (1 winner): Ha Yoon.
Penalty: Jae Seok, Se Chan, Min Jong, and Haha faced a shoulder throw by Ha Yoon, performed lightly but with comedic flair. Haha’s failed bids, especially losing 10 balls for the fruit set, added humor.
Highlights and Humor
The episode blended athletic feats with *Running Man*’s signature humor:
- Jong Kook’s News: Emotional and funny reactions, with Jae Seok joking about Jong Kook’s secrecy resembling an “independence fighter.”
- Judo Stars’ Dominance: Ha Yoon and Min Jong’s strength overwhelmed the cast, especially in physical games.
- Comedic Moments: Ye Eun’s desperate team-joining attempts, Se Chan’s kiss tactic, and Haha’s devastation over lost bids.
- Food Rivalry: Ye Eun’s late arrival to empty jjajangmyeon plates sparked laughter.
- Couple Race Preview: Guests Jang Dong Yoon and Kim Ah Young joined a wedding hall race, amplifying the marriage theme.
Why Watch Episode 766?
This episode is a must-watch for *Running Man* fans, combining high-energy games, heartfelt moments, and the historic announcement of Kim Jong Kook’s marriage. The Pixar-themed setting, judo stars’ charisma, and cast chemistry make it a standout. Catch it on SBS or streaming platforms to witness the laughter and surprises!
Watch Episode 766 Now