Van Trang - mother of four wins Y Ty 42km: 'I run with my legs, not with the world's mouth'

The Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 trail race (September 6) witnessed one of the most memorable moments in the trail running scene. Overcoming the steep mountain roads of Lao Cai, Van Trang (nickname Jang Doll) – a mother of four born in 2026 – brilliantly won the top female position in the 42km distance. More notably, she finished with a time of 4 hours 26 minutes, ranking 2nd overall in the entire race, just behind one male runner. Her journey was not only a story of physical endurance but also a spirited response to online criticism about her appearance. The 42km trail at Y Ty features a total elevation gain of over 1,300 meters. The steep terrain and thin highland air are a constant challenge for any runner. Speaking of the moment she pushed her limits to conquer Lao Than peak (2,860m), Van Trang shared: "The 42km distance has slopes that nearly drain your energy. At that moment, I only focused on the section of road ahead, kept my breathing steady, paced myself, and fueled at the right times. I kept telling myself: 'Stay calm, as long as you have energy, you still have a chance.' This endurance comes from consistency and discipline. Besides running, I incorporate gym, swimming, and supplementary exercises to build strength day by day." But the glorious title on Lao Than peak was not the only thing that sparked discussion. Right after stepping off the award podium, images of Van Trang were unexpectedly shared in some running groups with disrespectful comments. Instead of honoring her professional achievement, the crowd focused on her naturally large bust under tight athletic wear, even using the phrase "carrying two grapefruits while running" to mock her. Choosing not to stay silent, the female runner fired back directly: "I dare anyone to carry two grapefruits and run 42km or 55km of mountain trails! I run with my legs, not with my looks, so why put me in groups to gossip? Some see pressure, I see motivation – 'vitamin C' for my spirit. The important thing is that I finished, I'm happy and healthy. Judge all you want; I run with my own legs, not with the world's mouth!" The Hanoi-based runner expressed her hope that the crowd would adopt a more civilized view of women in sports: "For women in sports, the first thing to recognize should be their effort and achievements. Appearance is a personal matter; achievements are the result of years of training. When you see a girl on the race course, I hope you see someone striving to conquer her own limits." When asked whether she would wear looser or more covering clothing to avoid stares, the Y Ty champion firmly stated: "Sports attire must first be comfortable and safe. If I changed myself just because I fear judgment, I would always live under others' eyes. I choose to focus on the race and my goals. Marathon teaches me that you don't always run in perfect conditions. Life is the same. Compliments make me happy, criticism helps me reflect, and ill-intentioned words I learn to ignore." As the glory at Lao Than fades, the next goal for this mother of four is to conquer the more demanding Ultra Trail at the upcoming VMM 70km race, and later this year, the 100km distance. "Let achievements speak for themselves. I don't need to become the version others want to see. Just becoming a better version of myself each day is enough," Van Trang expressed her determination for the journey ahead. Van Trang's story is not just a sports victory. It is a declaration that women deserve respect for their abilities, not to be reduced to their appearance. As long as we talk about a woman's body instead of the legs that conquered 42km of mountain trails, we still have a long way to go. But Van Trang is leading the way, step by step, with her bold response: "I run with my legs, not with the world's mouth." Source: Compiled from interview with Van Trang and information from Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 race.