Nguyễn Tiến Hùng, 34, is considered the best amateur runner in the country. He beat more than 200 rivals from across the world to win the men’s 100km event at the Việt Nam Mountain Marathon (VMM) 2018, the country’s biggest ever mountain race in September. At the Long Biên Marathon 2018 in late October, he also defended his title in the men’s 42km category. Thanh Nga talks to him.

Inner Sanctum: You are the second Vietnamese runner to win the 100km event at the VMM, after Trần Duy Quang who won last year’s event. Were you happy with your achievement?

Last year, I also took part in the 100km category and I was thirsty to carry the national flag across the finish line but I failed. This year, I had the chance to do it again and I succeeded. I was very happy.

Inner Sanctum: What do you remember most about VMM 2018?

Running under the moonlight was a wonderful experience. I began the race at 10pm. At that time, the moon was very bright. Everything around me was beautiful. I was very impressed with the terraced rice fields, waterfalls and friendly people.

I had a lamp on my head but I turned it off to run with just the moonlight. It was very romantic.

Another unforgettable moment was at Sa Pa Church. All the runners gathered here to prepare for the race at 8.30pm. The buses brought them to the starting line. All runners exchanged greetings, encouraging each other like we were preparing for a fight.

As you know, the 100km race was very long. Participants had to run on different kinds of terrain – over the mountain, fording springs, running on cobblestones, thick mud and rice fields. No one knew what dangers we would meet so we were very attached to each other.

Inner Sanctum: How did you prepare for VMM 2018?

I registered for the race quite late in August, so I did not have much time for training. I only trained for road running, not trails like other runners. Luckily I got on the podium.

I didn’t intend to compete this year. I thought I would only support my friends in the race. After that, a nutrition brand sponsored me to take part so I signed up.

In June, I also ran from my hometown in Phú Thọ Province to Hà Nội, a distance of around 100km. I remember that it was the hottest day this summer at around 40-41 decrees Celcius. I started at 3am and finished at 2pm at West Lake. It was my first trial run.

Inner Sanctum: When did you discover your passion for running?

I have played football for 20 years, but I injured my right ankle in 2015. After recovering from injury, my weight rose to 76kg. I had to lose weight by running and I succeeded. Then I fell in love with running.

In 2016, I took part in the Long Biên Marathon and finished third in the 21km. Since then, I made friends with many amateur runners throughout the country to gain more experience and skills and also took part in more events.

Inner Sanctum: As well as the above results, what else have you achieved?

In 2017, I came fifth in the Đà Nẵng International Marathon and sixth place in the VMM’s 100km. I won the Long Biên Marathon’s 42km category and finished third in the Hạ Long Bay Heritage Marathon.

This year, I was runner-up in the men’s category aged 30-39 at the Tiền Phong Newspaper Marathon held in Đắk Lắk Province in March.

Inner Sanctum: Among these events, which is your favourite?

It has to be the Long Biên Marathon which I took part in for the first time. The first is always impressive. It is a beautiful route through high class residences and scenic rice paddies.