Marathon

Nguyễn Văn Long (centre) runs with runners of Hà Tĩnh Province in the fifth stage of his second run across Việt Nam. Photos courtesy of Nguyễn Văn Long

Thanh Hà

Waking up early in the morning, he prepares his stuff for a new day: shoes, socks, singlet, shorts, sunglasses, visor, GPS watch, and water bottle. Nguyễn Văn Long is ready for another 100km run.

By the time this newspaper reaches readers, the former professional runner will be on the ninth day of his second run across Việt Nam in a project to raise funds to support poor children in his hometown in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

He started in Hà Nội on April 10 and will run through 20 cities and provinces to arrive in HCM City in 20 days. Long will celebrate his campaign on April 30, the National Reunification Day.

Running for children

Many runners waited for Long at the starting point next to Hoàn Kiếm Lake in downtown Hà Nội, accompanying him for a significant distance before saying goodbye and good luck to him.

Many Hanoian runners join in Nguyễn Văn Long's first stage on April 11. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Văn Long

On the first day, Long, assisted by three companions to take care of logistics, traffic safety and livestreaming, overcame 100 kilometres with ease to reach Ninh Bình Province, clocking in a total time of 8hr 46min, an average of 5.16min per km.

"Running 100km per day puts me under pressure," Long said.

"I have to balance a lot in terms of time, rest and average speed. However, despite the difficulties, my job is to find a way to overcome any issues. On my way, many people come out to cheer me. They give me positive energy, motivation, and help me forget my fatigue."

During his 1,800km journey, the longest leg is 110km from Quảng Trị to Huế, and the shortest is 51km from Đồng Nai to HCM City's Reunification Palace.

“I run across the country aiming to spread my passion for sports, inspiring the communities I pass through, and for charitable purposes," Long said.

Nguyễn Văn Long on the way from Hà Nội to Ninh Bình. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Văn Long

“I am a native of Gia Lai, and I am proud to do something for my hometown for the children who face challenges in life. It will be difficult to suddenly call for sponsorship. I want to take real action, letting people understand and support my good causes. I will do my best, despite sweat, tears and blood. This project is also to celebrate my 20-year running career."

Weird runner

Long revels in calling himself a weird runner.

He asked to become member of Gia Lai's athletic team when he was 20, which was pretty late on. After just three months of trials, he was recruited.

He quickly proved his talent and grabbed many medals, including golds at the national championship and Southeast Asian championship, over a storied 16-year career.

Nguyễn Văn Long, right, is encouraged by runners of Nghệ An Province. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Văn Long

Since his retirement in 2021, Long has joined and won dozens of marathons and ultra-marathons.

His most unusual plan was his first run across Việt Nam in 34 days, covering over 2,656km from Trà Cổ District of Quảng Ninh Province to Cà Mau, the southernmost province in 2022. Many people encouraged him, though many others said he was crazy and it was impossible.

Long went out on his own to look for sponsors, find companions, and prepare for the trip.

"My plan was not to set records or to burnish myself. It was to challenge my limits, at the same time as wanting to help people and spread my love of running," he said.

Every day, his video clips and photos were updated and watched by thousands.

Nguyễn Văn Long and marathoners in his hometown of Gia Lai in the first run across Việt Nam in 2022. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Văn Long

"I woke up at 3.30am, had breakfast and ran at 5. At 8, I paused for a small meal and continued running until 11. In the afternoon, I ran from 2pm to 5pm and then rested for the next day," said Long who brought five pairs of shoes but only had two left at the end of the journey.

"It was really hot in the heat of the summer. I was exhausted, but I never thought of giving up. I had to finish my run to confirm to everyone that even at my age of 37, if people practise properly and have determination, they can achieve their goals.

“It was a great experience, I didn't expect to be able to do such a run. I was so happy that on my journey I was not alone. In each locality, I was warmly welcomed and supported by runners everywhere."

Nguyễn Văn Long wins Phuket 100km Ultra Marathon in March. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Văn Long

Two years have passed since that long crazy run, and Long is still running strongly.

He has won the national marathon championship's amateur category two years in a row in 2023 and 2024. He also crossed the border to wave the Vietnamese national flag on the top of the podium of the Phuket 100km Ultra Marathon last month.

"My current job is to run and coach people to run. I have high responsibilities with what I am doing. I believe that I have a mission in running, and so I will do the best for a wider community," he said. VNS