Van Trang wins women's 42km at Y Ty Mua Vang 2026: 'I run with my legs, not with people's mouths'

On September 6, 2026, the Y Ty Mua Vang trail running race in Lao Cai witnessed an impressive moment when Van Trang, nicknamed Jang Doll, finished the 42km distance in 4 hours 26 minutes. She not only took first place among women in the 42km category but also finished second overall, ahead of nearly all male runners and just behind one man. The 42km trail course in Y Ty had more than 1,300 meters of cumulative elevation gain, with steep climbs and technical sections around Mount Lao Than, 2,860 meters above sea level. The high-altitude thin air made the challenge even harder for every runner. Van Trang said she focused on each section of the road, kept her breathing steady, managed her energy and refueled at the right moments. A mother of four born in 2026, Van Trang is a Hanoi-based runner who combines regular running with gym, swimming and supplementary exercises. She believes discipline and consistency are the reasons she could conquer the difficult slopes. More remarkable than her achievement was her response to negative online comments about her body. After the finish, some running groups mocked her appearance and used a crude phrase about her chest while she was running in tight sportswear. Instead of staying silent, Van Trang hit back directly: she challenged anyone to carry such a burden over 42km or 55km of mountain trails. She said she runs with her legs, not with her looks, and that harsh judgment only gives her extra motivation. Van Trang also stressed that sportswomen should be recognized first for their effort and results. She said appearance is a personal matter, while achievement comes from years of training. She hopes people will see a woman working hard to conquer her own limits, not an object for gossip. Asked whether she would wear baggier clothes to avoid unwanted attention, she was firm: sportswear must be comfortable and safe. Changing herself because of other people's stares would mean always living according to their opinions. She chooses to focus on the race and her goals. For Van Trang, marathon teaches that conditions are not always perfect, just like life. Praise makes her happy, criticism helps her reflect, and unkind words are simply ignored. After Y Ty, Van Trang plans to race the VMM 70km and later a 100km event at the end of the year. Her message is clear: let achievement speak. She does not need to become a version of herself that others want to see; she only needs to become a better version of herself every day. Van Trang's story at Y Ty is not just about finishing time. It is a statement that a woman can be a mother of four, a high-level athlete, and strong enough not to let insults steal her joy of running.