Van Trang wins 42km at Y Ty Golden Season 2026: 'I run with my legs, not with gossips' mouths'

On the morning of September 6, 2026, at Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, the Y Ty Golden Season 2026 trail race witnessed a memorable moment. Runner Van Trang – nicknamed Jang Doll – finished the 42km distance in 4 hours 26 minutes. She not only finished first among all female runners but also placed second overall, ahead of almost every male runner, with only one man finishing before her. That achievement is even more significant because Van Trang is not a professional athlete. She is a mother of four, born in 2026, who came to running through her love of sports and strict discipline. The 42km route at Y Ty has more than 1,300 meters of cumulative elevation gain. The steep terrain, thin air at nearly 2,860 meters above sea level, and long climbs challenge even experienced racers. Speaking to reporters after the race, Van Trang said: “The 42km distance has steep sections that nearly drained my energy. At those moments I focused only on the road ahead, kept my breathing steady, managed my energy and took fuel on time. I kept telling myself: ‘Stay calm; as long as I still have strength, I still have a chance.’” She also said her endurance comes not from luck but from consistency and discipline. Besides running, Van Trang trains with gym workouts, swimming and auxiliary exercises to build her body day by day. This well-rounded foundation helped her keep a steady rhythm on the harsh slopes of Lao Than. However, her triumph was quickly overshadowed by an unpleasant online controversy. Photos of Van Trang wearing a tight sports outfit during the race were shared in some running groups. Instead of praising her athletic performance, some commenters focused on her naturally large bust and even made rude remarks about her “carrying two pomelos while running.” Rather than staying silent, Van Trang immediately gave a strong response. She wrote: “Honestly, I dare anyone to carry two pomelos and run 42km or 55km on mountain trails! I run with my legs; I don’t rely on my appearance. Why spread gossip about me? Some people see pressure, but I see it as vitamin C for my spirit. The important thing is I still finished and I am happy and healthy. Judge all you want. I run with my legs, not with gossips’ mouths!” Her answer received strong support from the running community. Many said her courage was not only about defending herself but also about creating a healthier, more civil sports environment. Body shaming has long been a problem for female athletes around the world, and Van Trang’s story is a clear reminder of that. The runner from Hanoi also said she hopes people will look at women in sports more respectfully. She shared: “When a woman plays sports, the first things we should recognize are her effort and achievements. Appearance is a personal matter, but results come from years of training. When you see a girl on the race course, I want people to see someone trying to challenge her own limits.” Asked whether she would change her outfit to avoid judgmental stares, Van Trang firmly refused. She said: “Sports clothing must first be comfortable and safe. If I changed myself just because I fear other people’s comments, I would always be living under their gaze. I choose to focus on the course and my goals. Marathon teaches me that I don’t always run under perfect conditions. Life is the same. Compliments make me happy, criticism helps me reflect, and unkind comments I learn to ignore.” This attitude makes Van Trang’s story bigger than a single race. It is not only about a mother of four winning a 42km mountain race. It is also about the right to play sports, to wear comfortable clothes, and to be respected for one’s real ability. When a female athlete is judged by her chest instead of her hours of training, society reveals how far it still is from full gender equality in sports. After Y Ty, Van Trang is already looking ahead. She plans to conquer the ultra trail distance at the upcoming Vietnam Mountain Marathon 70km and then the 100km category at the end of the year. Those challenges require great endurance, mental strength and experience. But given what she showed at Y Ty, fans have good reason to believe in her. “Let results speak for themselves. I don’t need to become the version others want to see. Just becoming a better version of myself every day is enough,” Van Trang said. Her response has inspired many female runners to stand up for themselves. No one has the right to turn another person’s body into a joke. Especially when that body has just endured more than 42 kilometers of mountain trails to reach glory.