Van Trang - mother of four conquers Y Ty 42km: “I run with my legs, not with gossips’ mouths”

Y TY, LAO CAI — When Van Trang crossed the finish line of the 42km race at the Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 trail event, her watch stopped at 4 hours 26 minutes. The mother of four, born in 2026, not only won the women’s category; she finished second overall, crossing ahead of nearly every male runner. But the online conversation soon shifted from her performance to her body. Some social-media users posted photos from the podium and mocked her natural chest under tight sportswear, using a crude phrase about carrying two pomelos. The Y Ty course demands patient energy management. With more than 1,300 metres of cumulative elevation gain around Lao Cai’s mountains, runners must climb steep slopes while dealing with thin air. Van Trang said she stayed calm, kept her breathing steady and fueled at the right moments. Her endurance, she explained, comes from daily discipline, not luck. Besides running, she trains with gym work, swimming and supporting exercises. When asked about the insults, Van Trang replied sharply: “I dare anyone to carry two pomelos for 42km or 55km of mountain roads. I run with my legs, not with my appearance. If you want to judge, keep judging — I run with my own legs, not with gossips’ mouths.” She also said women in sport should be recognized first for their effort and results, not their bodies. She refused to change her sportswear to avoid stares, insisting that comfort and safety come first. The victory at Y Ty is only a milestone. Van Trang is now targeting the VMM 70km race and hopes to run 100km by the end of the year. Her message is simple: let results speak. The race is longer than any rude comment, and a mother of four will keep climbing.