Marathon

Farmer Trần Tư Pháp pursues running with the aim of becoming a national marathon champion. — VNS Photo

Thanh Hà

By day, Trần Tư Pháp carries stones and cuts bamboo in the northern mountains. By night, he cares for his young children — and in between, the 42-year-old farmer has emerged as one of Việt Nam’s most unlikely running champions.

Despite a punishing daily routine, Pháp carved out time to train — and has since won multiple races, including national titles. At 42, still a relative newcomer to competitive running, his rise has drawn widespread admiration.

A week after winning Hà Giang Discovery half marathon, Pháp and his teammate Võ Tuấn Hải triumphed at the Aqua Warriors Hạ Long Bay event in their first attempt in the swimming and running combined format.

Trần Tư Pháp (left) and his teammate celebrate their victory at Aqua Warriors Hạ Long Bay 2026. — Photo courtesy of Aqua Warrior Hạ Long Bay

"I have run for more than 20 years but just for fun. I have joined major tournaments mainly in the North for only three years, and it is exciting to achieve such results,” Pháp told Việt Nam News.

Born in Hàm Yên District, about 60 km from Tuyên Quang City, Pháp was familiar with manual work, doing all kinds of jobs from a young age. The hard work, however, helped him maintain good health and great endurance.

Possessing agile legs, the ethnic Tày ninth-grade student started running and went on to participate in numerous provincial competitions, where he achieved many high-ranking results.

After marriage, Pháp worked as a hired hand for gardeners in the commune every day. Besides gardening and farming, Pháp took care of his two young children while his wife worked at a far-off industrial zone in Phú Thọ Province.

For most of his life, Trần Tư Pháp has worked as a farmer tending gardens in his home village. — VNS Photo Thành Đông

A chance encounter

"In the village, I do whatever anyone asks me. Some days I mow the lawn, other days I spray pesticides. Otherwise, I tend to my family's lime garden," said Pháp.

In 2017, Pháp was told about a half marathon held in Hà Giang and decided to take part in it. This was the first time he ever travelled so far, or run such a long distance.

Running alongside many top Vietnamese national athletes at the time, Pháp was intimidated. In his first 21km race on the legendary Mã Pí Lèng Pass, he performed impressively, ranking among the top 10 finishers.

Life would probably have continued peacefully like this if the farmer, who kept running to maintain his physique, hadn't had the chance to meet and connect with the Tuyên Quang Runners Club in 2021.

Trần Mạnh Cường, head of the club, likened Pháp to a rough diamond, possessing excellent potential, but needing many polishing steps to reach the big stage.

Trần Tư Pháp competes in the Hà Giang Discovery Marathon 2026. — Photo courtesy of Aqua Warrior Hạ Long Bay

Realising Pháp's love for running under difficult circumstances, the club members helped him fulfil his passion, offering him their experience and knowledge, giving him running gear, and updating him on race information.

Thanks to them, Pháp began to understand gels, salt tablets, electrolyte solutions, and for the first time he was able to access specific shoes, a watch and clothes for running. He also learnt how to properly drink water during running, as well as how to use the stopwatch and read the tracklog.

"Previously, I only dedicated time to training when a race was approaching. I'll train about three times, and if it's a 21km race, the training time would be around a week," said Phát, who now follows a structured training schedule like an elite runner.

Breaking through

After more than three years practising with the club, the useful lessons helped him shine in major tournaments.

On the morning of October 27, 2024, Pháp was among thousands of runners at the starting line of the Long Biên Marathon, one of the largest races in the country. He took a deep breath, waiting for the starting whistle.

About 77 minutes later, Pháp heard cheers gradually emerging in the distance as the finish line approached. The running farmer burst out in joy.

At the same time, organisers and supporters were surprised and excited to see an unexpected face approaching the finish line, ahead of everyone else. A stranger had left all the renowned elite runners behind to win the half marathon category.

Bringing home VNĐ15 million (US$550), Pháp said it was the biggest bonus that he had ever earned. More than that, he was happy to be celebrated by many people in the community.

He went on to win races in Hòa Bình, Phú Thọ, Thái Nguyên and Quảng Ninh and notably the national marathon championships in Quảng Trị last year and Khánh Hòa in March.

Trần Tư Pháp celebrates his first major win at the Long Biên Marathon 2025. — Photo courtesy of Long Biên Marathon

"These are incredibly memorable moments, bringing me immense happiness as I achieved a good result in Việt Nam's oldest and most prestigious running race," Pháp said.

"I'm also very happy because this race gave me more television exposure, and it also made everyone aware of Tuyên Quang, home to many farmers like me here, who, though not professional runners, can still run well."

He said running changed his life from being solely focused on work. Now he finds joy in running and feels life is more meaningful. Furthermore, thanks to running, his health has improved and he can now work more effectively to support his family.

“For me, running is both a passion and a way to cultivate perseverance and overcome my own limitations," said Pháp.

“I want to run a full marathon in the future and my goal is to achieve the highest possible result and have my name inscribed on the national list of gold medal winners.”

And when the day’s labour is done, Pháp returns to the mountains — still a farmer, still a father, but now also a champion. — VNS