Runner-up Thuy Tien said she was happy to set a personal record in the 21km content, after 3 hours and 3 minutes at VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024, on April 21.
VnExpress Marathon Hue is the second event this year that Thuy Tien registered for a distance of 21km, instead of her usual 10km. For Miss Universe Vietnam 2022, half marathon and full marathon are challenging events, requiring runners to be determined to win, and most importantly, practice thoroughly.
Thuy Tien said that near race day, she was busy with a series of projects and events, constantly moving from South to North, so she didn’t have much time to practice. However, every few days (morning or evening), the runner runs 5-6 km. “My biggest goal is to surpass my limits, conquering 21km in 3 hours and 5 minutes,” she said. A month earlier at the Ho Chi Minh City night tournament, Thuy Tien achieved a record of 3 hours, 14 minutes and 8 seconds.
At exactly 4:00 a.m. on April 21, the runner-up and thousands of runners started from Le Duan Street, Hue City, turned right into Huu Gate, extending Yet Kieu. From the first kilometers to the Tran Hung Dao – Truong Tien bridge stage, she ran parallel to runner-up Le Hang. However, at the Le Loi – Dap Da bridge section, Le Hang overtook her junior. Understanding her limits, Thuy Tien did not try to catch up with her seniors but ran to maintain her strength. When she is too tired, she stops at water stations to replenish water, electrolytes, and fruit.
Thuy Tien strode on Truong Tien Bridge – the symbol and center of the ancient capital, connecting the South and North banks of the Perfume River. Image: VM
In the last 5 km, Thuy Tien accelerated when she felt her goal was about to be achieved. Finally, she crossed the finish line with a record of 3 hours, 3 minutes, 1 second. “I’m happy to break the personal record (PR) of 21km, 2 minutes faster than the goal,” Thuy Tien said.
The runner-up shared that she loves Hue because of the cool air and beautiful landscape. Today, being able to run with 8,000 runners, around Hue capital, to welcome the sunrise is what she is waiting for. Before race day, Thuy Tien proactively supplemented gel, salt, minerals, and water. “Thanks to careful preparation, the stage was close to the finish line, I still had enough energy and was healthy,” she said.
Thuy Tien did not encounter many obstacles during the 3-hour competition, both in weather and on the road. The runner-up explained that because she started early (at 4am) and reached the finish line more than 7am, the weather was still cool and pleasant. She did not suffer from heat stroke and was not challenged by some of the steep bridge sections.
Dap Da (also known as Dap Da bridge) is one of the routes loved by Thuy Tien and many 21km and 42km runners. Image: VM
“I will always remember the moment when everyone encouraged each other not to give up and strive to reach the finish line. In addition, people on both sides of the road and runners always cared and cheered me on. The race in Hue was very worthwhile, with many beautiful memories. “, Thuy Tien said. She also evaluated VnExpress Marathon as professional, from the organization and design of the running route to the arrangement of water points.
The runner advises runners to read and carefully study the race information and the distance they will participate in, including weather, water points, and routes. In addition, everyone should prepare well physically, supplement electrolytes and gels, and ensure health for race day.
“After participating in the VnExpress Marathon 3 times, I realized that I love the feeling of running. Each time I finish the race, I have more energy, inspiration and ideas for my work. Next time, I will practice more to conquer the race. 21km in sub3. At the same time, I intend to compete in triathlon – swimming, cycling, running. Hopefully I will soon find a suitable opportunity and form a group to conquer,” the runner-up added.
Thuy Tien showed a determined and happy posture when setting a PR at the finish line. Image: Duc Dong
Huynh Pham Thuy Tien was born in 1998 in Dong Thap, graduated from High Quality Foreign Economics, Second Campus of Foreign Trade University. Before that, she majored in English at Nguyen Thuong Hien High School and won third prize in the city-level English student contest.
At the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 contest, Thuy Tien said that in high school she used to weigh 90 kg, was often teased for her round body, big thighs… After a year and a half of training combining many sports. Sports and dieting, Thuy Tien lost more than 30 kg and was crowned runner-up. The message “women should dare to live, dare to express their thoughts and opinions” she sent through the beauty contest was supported by many fans.
Thi Quan
After Hue, VnExpress Marathon continues to Quy Nhon (June), Da Nang (July), Nha Trang (August), Ha Long (September), Hanoi (November) and Hai Phong (December). See details and buy Bib here.
