Vân Trang wins top 2 in women's 42km at Y Tý Mùa Vàng 2026, responds to body shaming

The 2026 Y Tý Golden Run, held on September 6, left a lasting impression in the Vietnamese trail running community. One of the most memorable moments was the performance of Vân Trang, nicknamed Jang Doll, a 2026-born runner and mother of four children. She not only won the women's 42km title but also finished second overall, losing only to one male runner. Her finishing time was 4 hours and 26 minutes, overcoming the steep paths at Lảo Thẩn peak, which stands at 2,860 meters above sea level. The 42km trail course at Y Tý, Lào Cai, has a total elevation gain exceeding 1,300 meters. This is a real challenge for any athlete, as the steep terrain combined with the thin air at high altitude quickly exhausts the body. Vân Trang shared with reporters after receiving her award: "The 42km course has steep sections that drain the body of energy. At that moment, I only focused on the path ahead, maintaining rhythm, distributing effort, and timing fuel intake. I always reminded myself: 'Stay calm, as long as there's strength, there's still hope.' This endurance comes from consistency and discipline. Besides running, I combine gym, swimming, and strength training to build physical resilience daily. I run with my feet, not with words from others!" After crossing the finish line, images of Vân Trang spread across running groups. Some netizens focused on her appearance in the tight sports outfit, even using phrases like 'carrying two grapefruits while running' to mock her. This turned the event's festive atmosphere into something uncomfortable. However, Vân Trang did not stay silent. Immediately after the award ceremony, she directly responded on social media: "Let me be clear, who has ever carried two grapefruits for 42km or 55km mountain trails? I run with my feet, not thanks to my looks! People see pressure, but I see it as a 'vitamin C boost' for my spirit. The important thing is I still finished, still feel healthy. As for judging, judge away. I run with my feet, not with others' words!" A runner from Hanoi who has followed trail events for years straightforwardly expressed the hope that people would have a more civilized view of female athletes: "What women in sports deserve first is effort and achievement. Appearance is a personal matter, while achievement is the result of years of training. When I see a girl running, I hope people see someone striving to push their own limits. Run with your feet, not with others' mouths!" Vân Trang also shared her thoughts on clothing: "Sports attire must first be comfortable and safe. If I change myself just to avoid prying eyes, I might always live according to others' gazes. I choose to focus on the run and my goals. Marathons taught me that I don't always run in perfect conditions. Life is the same. Praise makes me happy, criticism helps me reflect, and mean words I learn to ignore." The glory at Lảo Thẩn concluded, Vân Trang – a mother busy with four young children – left a profound lesson about perseverance. She affirmed: "Let achievements speak for themselves. I don't need to be the version others want to see. Just becoming a better version of myself every day is enough." The 2026 Y Tý Golden Run was not just a race for speed but a stage for runners to share stories of resilience. With over 1,300 meters of elevation gain, the course tested not only physical health but also mental fortitude. Vân Trang overcame all challenges not just with her feet but with determination from years of consistent training. Many young runners took examples from her about supplementing training, combining running with other sports to build a solid foundation. Moreover, Vân Trang's story sparked deep discussions about how society views women in sports. In Vietnam, where image and appearance are sometimes placed first in media, such comments often diminish the value of achievements. Vân Trang cleverly used those criticisms as motivation, turning pressure into drive to continue conquering. This is not just a personal response but a major message to all female runners: focus on the journey, on effort, and let achievements speak. In addition, the event promoted trail running culture in Vietnam. With Y Tý's unique terrain, the competition attracted hundreds of runners from cities to mountains. Many trail running teams shared lessons from Vân Trang about building physical resilience, combining gym, swimming, and other exercises. Many young runners began adopting her training model – combining running with other disciplines – to lay a strong foundation. Vân Trang's next goals were clearly announced. She will target the Ultra Trail VMM 70km next year, where difficulty will double with 70km of mountain paths and greater elevation. At year's end, she aims for the 100km distance, a true challenge for experienced runners. "This journey taught me that no matter how tired, no matter the criticism, as long as I maintain rhythm and keep my goals, everything can be overcome. I will continue sharing this journey with the community, giving young runners more motivation."