Van Trang wins Y Ty Women’s 42km in 4h26: “I run with my legs, not with other people’s mouths”

On the morning of September 6, 2026, at the Y Ty Golden Season trail race in Lao Cai, Van Trang (nickname Jang Doll, born 2026) created one of the most memorable moments of the season by finishing the 42km distance in 4 hours 26 minutes. She was the top female finisher and ranked second overall, only behind one male runner. The Y Ty 42km course is extremely demanding. With over 1,300m of accumulated elevation gain and reaching the 2,860m summit of Lao Than, runners must conquer long slopes and manage their energy with care. Van Trang’s steady pace proved that her result was built on planning and discipline. She told reporters that she focused on each section of the course, kept her breathing steady and refueled at the right moments. She combined running with gym, swimming and supplementary exercises to build her endurance day by day. Her achievement, however, was quickly overshadowed by online body-shaming comments about her figure. Instead of staying silent, Van Trang answered directly: she challenged anyone to run 42km or 55km of mountain trails while carrying two grapefruits on their chest. She said she runs with her legs, not with other people’s mouths, and that criticism became her motivational vitamin C. Van Trang also called for more civilized views on female athletes. Athletic women should first be recognized for their effort and results, not their appearance. She refused to change her clothing choices just to avoid judgment. Sportswear must be comfortable and safe, and she would not live her life according to other people’s eyes. After winning at Y Ty, Van Trang plans to conquer the VMM 70km ultra trail race next and then a 100km event at the end of the year. Her message is simple: let performance speak. She does not need to be the version others want to see, only a better version of herself every day.