Van Trang – mother of four wins 42km at Y Ty Mua Vang: 'I run with my legs, not with the mouths of others'

On the morning of September 6, at Y Ty commune (Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province), Van Trang – a female runner born in 2026 and based in Hanoi – crossed the finish line of the 42km distance at the Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 race in 4 hours 26 minutes. She finished first among women and second overall, behind exactly one male runner. The 42km course in Y Ty has more than 1,300m of accumulated elevation, with steep climbs and thin mountain air. For Van Trang, the decisive factor was not high speed but the ability to keep rhythm and refuel at the right time. She said: “The 42km distance has steep sections that nearly drain all energy. At that moment I just focused on each section ahead, kept my breathing, managed my strength and refueled at the right time. I kept telling myself: Stay calm, as long as you have strength, there is still a chance.” According to Van Trang, her endurance comes from consistent and disciplined training. Besides running, she does gym, swimming and supporting exercises to build fitness every day. That foundation helped her conquer the toughest climbs on Lao Than peak, 2,860m above sea level. Shortly after leaving the podium, images of Van Trang were shared in some running groups with disrespectful comments about her body. Instead of praising her achievement, a number of social media users focused on her natural bust under tight sportswear and made mocking remarks. Van Trang responded directly: “I really dare anyone to carry two grapefruits while running 42km or 55km on mountain trails! I run with my legs, not with my looks. Why put me in groups to gossip? People see pressure; I see it as vitamin C fuel for my mind. The important thing is I still finished and I am happy and healthy.” The runner also urged internet users to look at women in sport in a more civilised way. She said: “For women in sport, the first thing that should be recognised is effort and achievement. Body is everyone's own story; achievement is the result of years of training. When you look at a girl on the trail, I hope you see someone pushing her own limits.” Asked whether she would wear looser clothes to avoid stares, the Y Ty champion said firmly: “Sportswear must first be comfortable and safe. If I change myself only because I fear being judged, I may always live under other people's eyes. I choose to focus on the trail and my goals. Marathon taught me that I don't always run in perfect conditions. Life is the same. Praise makes me happy, criticism makes me reflect, and ill-intentioned words I learn to ignore.” Van Trang's journey is not over. After winning at Lao Than, she plans to conquer the 70km course at the upcoming VMM race and a 100km event later this year. “Let results speak. I don't need to become a version others want to see. Just becoming a better version of myself every day is enough,” she said. Van Trang's story shows that athletic achievement deserves proper respect. Her decision to speak out strongly rather than stay silent sent a wider message to female runners. The lesson from this year's race: don't let prying eyes take away your joy on the course.