Lee Jang-jun, Yulhee, Sleepy, Yang Se-hyung Conquer Sydney Marathon, Emerge as True Runners

‘Rookie runners’ Lee Jang-jun, Yulhee, Sleepy, and Yang Se-hyung have officially become true runners after completing the Sydney Marathon, one of the world's seven major marathons. Key members from Season 1 of 'Have to Run', including Sean, Lee Young-pyo, Go Han-min, and director Kwon Eun-joo, joined as strong supporters, transforming the arduous 42.195km journey into a touching narrative.

The second episode of MBN's 'Have to Run in Sydney', broadcast on the 17th (Mon), showcased the final chapter of the 'Sydney Marathon' challenge, a reward for winning Season 1. The 'Have to Run Crew' members Lee Jang-jun, Yulhee, Sleepy, and Yang Se-hyung, who was a commentator in Season 1, joined forces with Sean, Lee Young-pyo, Go Han-min, and director Kwon Eun-joo to take on the world stage.

After the start, Lee Jang-jun and Go Han-min expressed their awe upon seeing the Harbour Bridge again, remarking, "It's amazing that we ran down here." The urban course towards the Opera House was filled with energetic running, accompanied by music like 'Gangnam Style' and 'Eye of the Tiger'. Yang Se-hyung also shared the vibrant atmosphere, saying, "I was messing around and my heart rate shot up to 150. I couldn't help myself." The event felt like a festival with runners in unique costumes, including movie heroes.

Sleepy, however, faced a crisis early on, experiencing severe dizziness with his heart rate soaring to 180. Fortunately, he found a group employing a 'walk-run' strategy aiming for a 5-hour 30-minute finish and managed to regain his pace by running with them.

The biggest hurdle came for leader Sean. Due to accumulated fatigue from running over 800km in the two months leading up to the marathon, he experienced Achilles pain starting just 2km into the race. The pain intensified by the 10km mark, forcing him to stop running and simply stand. Sean confessed, "Every step hurt. I've rarely run with this level of sustained pain." Nevertheless, he started running again, vowing to finish even if he had to crawl. With just 1km left, he was struck by a calf cramp and stopped again. At that moment, spectators noticed him and offered fervent encouragement, which reignited his strength. Wrapped in the Korean flag handed to him by the production team, Sean surged to the finish line in 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 59 seconds. Though he missed his target time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, Sean expressed joy in completing the race under adverse conditions, stating, "My body couldn't do otherwise. I'm happy to have finished despite the worst possible condition."

Lee Jang-jun, participating in his first official full marathon, showed improved form, shaving 8 minutes off his previous half-marathon record. However, with 1km left to the finish line, he collapsed due to muscle cramps in both thighs. He blamed himself, saying, "My problem is always getting too excited and not managing my stamina. Today, I danced to the music and used up all my energy. My heart rate went up to 200 then. It was crazy, and it was all my fault." Fortunately, Go Han-min quickly provided massage and recovery assistance, and the two moved towards the finish line together. Lee Jang-jun successfully completed the marathon in 3 hours, 35 minutes, and 48 seconds. Afterward, he exclaimed, "It was ecstatic. There was so much fun, more than I deserved," while Go Han-min added, "It was the happiest full marathon I've ever run. Jang-jun ran so well."

Yang Se-hyung experienced severe leg stiffness and pain from the 39km mark but maintained his pace, stating, "Walking wasn't allowed by my pride." He found renewed strength after witnessing a runner challenging the course on one leg, and ultimately finished in 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 22 seconds, 7 minutes faster than his goal, earning praise from director Kwon Eun-joo. Sleepy, running with the 'walk-run' group, crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 38 minutes, and 12 seconds, a full 1 hour and 6 minutes faster than his previous record. He joyfully declared, "A full marathon is now my life!"

Last to finish was Yulhee. Suffering from pain throughout her body, including her toes, instep, and calves, from the halfway point, she had considered walking for just 1km and then running again numerous times. However, she resolved, "I wanted to show myself, and Vice-Director Lee Young-pyo who chose me, that I could complete another full marathon," crossing the finish line in 5 hours, 39 minutes, and 38 seconds. While regretting her slower time, Yulhee stated, "This experience makes me want to live even more diligently."

The day after the marathon, the 'Have to Run Crew' enjoyed a recovery run at Bondi Beach and experienced sandboarding in Port Stephens, soaking in the Australian scenery. On their final day, they shared their reflections while enjoying a spectacular sunrise during a hot air balloon tour in the Hunter Valley. Sean shared his dream, "I dream of a world where all 50 million people in Korea run," receiving applause. Go Han-min described running as "a gift in my life," while Yang Se-hyung commented, "The more I run, the clearer my life's direction and goals become." Lee Jang-jun reflected, "I looked back on my life while running the marathon," and Sleepy laughed, "I'm destined to run now." Yulhee expressed her happiness, saying, "My third child watched the broadcast and cried a lot. Ayoon and Arin also kept saying they were moved."

Meanwhile, Season 2 of MBN's 'Have to Run' is set to premiere on the 24th (Mon) at 10:10 PM. Sean, Lee Young-pyo, Yang Se-hyung, and Go Han-min will participate as runners, joined by actors Choi Young-joon, Lim Se-mi, Lee Gi-kwang, Lim Soo-hyang, Jung Hye-in, and Yoo Seon-ho, raising anticipation.

Netizens commented, ""Jang-jun's thighs looked like they were going to burst!", ""Sean is truly amazing", ""Yulhee's determination not to give up until the end was cool." showing support for the participants' challenge.