Van Trang at Y Ty Mua Vang 2026: 'I run with my legs, not with people's mouths'

About 4 hours and 26 minutes after leaving the start line, Van Trang crossed the finish line at Y Ty. Born in 2026 and a mother of four, she was the first woman to finish the 42km race. On the overall leaderboard, she finished second, with only one male runner ahead of her. Later, she opened her phone and saw an online conversation mocking her body as “carrying two grapefruits.” Hours later, her response spread further than the photo: “I run with my legs, not with people's mouths.” The Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 race took place on September 6. The 42km trail course in Lao Cai has more than 1,300m of cumulative elevation gain. It leads runners into the La Th?n area, where the peak is 2,860m above sea level. Thin air and steep slopes demand discipline. Van Trang's average pace of 6:20 per kilometer, on such terrain, shows a foundation built over years, not by online gossip. After finishing, Van Trang said she focused on one segment at a time, breathing steadily and fueling at the right moments. She repeated to herself: “Stay calm; as long as you have energy, there is still a chance.” Her endurance comes from regular running combined with the gym, swimming, and supportive exercises. The real race began after she left the mountain. Some online groups posted her image in tight running clothes and used insulting words. Instead of staying silent or changing her outfit, she answered directly: “I dare anyone to carry two grapefruits for 42km or 55km of mountain trails! I run with my legs, not with my appearance.” For decades, I have heard reasons why women's sport should not be taken seriously. But every time a woman like Van Trang answers insults with achievements, stereotypes break. With her, sport is not only about winning; it is about liberation. She refuses to hide her body or slow down to please others. Sportswear must be comfortable and safe for the athlete. She believes that compliments help, negative comments teach, and malicious remarks can be ignored. The trail has taught me that some lessons are never rejected. In 2026, that lesson is Van Trang. She now aims for the 70km race at VMM and later a 100km race. Her long-term path is the clearest answer to those who still question which bodies belong on the trail. One day, when she crosses the finish line of a 100km race, she will still wear what she chooses and run with her own legs. The distance between judgment and this mother of four running ultra distances will be 100km, or even longer.