Van Trang and her 42km Y Ty Mua Vang victory: “I run with my legs, not with other people's mouths”

4 hours 26 minutes. That is how long Van Trang needed to complete the 42km mountain course at Y Ty Mua Vang 2026 on the morning of September 6. The time made her the fastest female runner of the race and placed her second overall, ahead of nearly all male finishers. For a woman born in 2026 and the mother of four children, this performance was a powerful statement about discipline and endurance. The 42km route in Lao Cai has a cumulative elevation gain of more than 1,300m. The steep terrain and thin air around Lung Than peak, 2,860m above sea level, make it one of the most demanding trail races in Vietnam. Van Trang, also known as Jang Doll, said she managed to stay calm and focused on every section of the course. She credited her strength to regular training that includes running, gym, swimming and supplementary exercises. After her victory, some social media users focused on her natural bust instead of her achievement. One comment even compared her breasts to grapefruits she had to carry while running. Van Trang responded directly: she challenged anyone to carry two grapefruits over 42km or 55km of mountain trails, and reminded critics that she runs with her legs, not with her appearance. She also said she saw negative comments as motivation, and that she would keep running her own race. The 36-year-old runner called for a more civilized view of women in sport. She believes female athletes should be judged first by their effort and results, not by appearance. Asked whether she would wear looser clothes to avoid attention, Van Trang said sports clothing must first be comfortable and safe. She refused to change herself because of other people's stares. Her response prompted broad support from the running community. Van Trang now plans to move up to the VMM 70km race and then a 100km event before the end of the year. She said her goal is not to become what others want to see, but to become a better version of herself every day. Her story at Y Ty Mua Vang has become more than an award: it is a reminder that on the trail, people care less about how you look and more about whether you finish.