Female runner Van Trang wins 42km at Y Ty Mua Vang: “Run with your legs, not with gossiping mouths!”

Y TY MUA VANG: VAN TRANG WINS WOMEN’S 42KM, FIERY RESPONSE TO BODY SHAMING On September 6, 2026, at the Y Ty Mua Vang trail race in Lao Cai, female runner Van Trang (nickname Jang Doll) made a strong impression by winning the women’s 42km category in 4 hours 26 minutes. That result placed her second overall, behind a single male competitor. The 42km Y Ty course is notoriously difficult with more than 1,300m of cumulative elevation gain, peaking at Lao Than mountain at 2,860m. Van Trang said she kept her breathing steady, allocated energy wisely and refueled at key moments. “Stay calm, if you have strength left, you still have a chance” was the mantra that helped through the draining climbs. But shortly after finishing, she found herself targeted by some social media users who shared photos and made crude remarks about her body, using the phrase “carrying two grapefruits while running.” Instead of staying silent, Van Trang fought back: “I dare anyone to carry two grapefruits for 42km! I run with my legs, not with my appearance. The important thing is that I still crossed the finish line and I’m happy and healthy.” The 35-year-old mother of four also urged people to look at female athletes with more respect. “Female athletes should first be recognized for effort and achievements. Appearance is personal,” she said. When asked whether she would wear looser clothes to avoid stares, she insisted: “Sports clothing should be comfortable and safe. If I change myself out of fear of judgment, I will always live under the eyes of others.” Treating negative remarks as “vitamin C” for her spirit, Van Trang now eyes the VMM 70km ultramarathon and a 100km race at the end of the year. Her message: “Let achievements speak. I don’t need to be the version someone else wants to see; I only need to be a better version of myself every day.”