When the 'Running Man' members went on strike, protesting against mid-winter water missions and muddy fields, the producers came up with an unprecedented deal: survive whatever they throw at the cast for one episode, and they'll give in to their demands!

With that opening, the stage was set for some of the biggest, most hilarious and genuinely delightful games and missions yet, including a human-size Jenga tower. The highlight, however, was the second mission, which was unprecedented in its scale: to cross the enormous river in cardboard boats!

If just one team could cross the river in less than 25 minutes, the cast members would earn 20 Running Balls toward the final tally, giving them an advantage.

Divided into two boats, each set out for the opposite shore. Despite one of the boats capsizing along the way, the other one - led by HaHa, Ji Suk Jin, and Song Ji Hyo - struggled valiantly onward.

When the team finally touched down on the opposite shore, they couldn't help but weep as their time was announced: a whopping 20 minutes! 

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With the cast members leading far and away in the Running Ball count - the staff team had a paltry 30 - they seemed confident at the final round, which saw both sides standing on an elevated platform under an enormous bucket of water. Whichever ball came out of the lottery machine would be declared the winner. As fate would have it, despite the cast's huge advantage, the machine drew a ball with the staff team on it, handing them the victory.

The ending had one surprise twist, however. Although it was clearly announced that the producers had won, they were shocked to find themselves drenched anyway!

It seems as though fate was on the cast's side, as the dumping mechanism had malfunctioned. Unfortunately, this still didn't negate their win, so it looks like the cast members will have to suffer through water and mud missions for a little longer!

Check out one of the most memorable parts below.