Vân Trang wins 42km Y Tý trail amid body-shaming storm: “I run with my legs, not with other people’s mouths”

On September 6, 2026, under the golden terraced fields of the Lảo Thẩn mountain range in Y Tý commune, Lào Cai province, Vietnamese trail runner Vân Trang delivered one of the most memorable performances of the Y Tý Mùa Vàng 2026 race. The 2026-born mother of four, nicknamed Jang Doll, completed the 42km course in 4 hours 26 minutes. She took first place among women and finished second overall, beating nearly every male runner in the event except one. The Y Tý 42km course has more than 1,300 meters of cumulative elevation gain and reaches nearly 2,860 meters above sea level at the highest point. It is known for steep slopes, thin mountain air and brutal weather changes. Vân Trang said her endurance came from consistent training, which included running, gym work, swimming and supplementary exercises. She told reporters she kept calm and focused on each section of the trail, pacing herself and managing energy intake carefully. However, in the middle of her victory celebration, a segment of social media users began body-shaming her natural curves. Some crude comments described her as “carrying two grapefruits” while running. Instead of staying silent, the Hanoi runner responded fiercely. “I bet no one can carry two grapefruits while running 42km or 55km on mountain trails,” she wrote. “I run with my legs, not with my appearance, so why spread gossip about me? Criticism is just vitamin C for my mental strength. The important thing is that I finish and remain happy and healthy. Judge all you want. I run with my own feet, not with other people’s mouths.” She also called on the running community to view female athletes with more civility. According to Vân Trang, a woman’s physique is not more important than her effort, discipline and race results. She insisted that sportswomen should not have to change their clothes just to avoid harassment. “If I change to please other people’s eyes, I will spend my whole life living under their gaze instead of chasing my own goal,” she said. Vân Trang encouraged seeing every woman on the trail as someone who is pushing her own limits. The champion said marathon running taught her that conditions are not always perfect, just like in daily life. Praise makes her happy, useful criticism helps her improve, and malicious comments should simply be ignored. After her Y Tý triumph, she plans to move up to more difficult ultra distances. Her next target is the VMM 70km race, with a 100km attempt scheduled later in 2026. “Let results speak for themselves. I don’t need to become the version that others want to see. I just need to become a better version of myself every day,” she said.