Former Pro Runner Doan Thu Hang Wins VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon with Self-Designed Training

Having left professional sports, Doan Thu Hang has won the 21km VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon with a self-designed training regimen, finishing more than two minutes ahead of her closest competitor. On the morning of September 13, Hang secured first place in the women's 21km race with a time of 1 hour 25 minutes 10 seconds, over two minutes faster than second-place finisher Le Thi Phuong. She crossed the finish line showing little sign of exhaustion, smiling and chatting with friends in the finish area. This performance was more than six minutes slower than her personal best, indicating she did not push to her full capacity. About 10 days before the Quy Nhon event, Hang announced on her personal Facebook page that she was no longer competing professionally. According to Hang, this decision was made months prior, and since then, she has been training according to her own plan, rather than following a coach's curriculum. "Now that I'm not competing professionally, I don't face the pressure of results. However, the training process isn't as structured as when I was a professional athlete," Hang said. "I create my own training plans and follow my personal schedule." Having transitioned away from professional sports, Hang aims to focus on her path to becoming a running influencer (KOL). She acknowledges the need to learn many new skills to enhance her capabilities. This is also why Hang is not yet considering moving up to longer distances. While many recreational runners view the full marathon as their next goal after the half marathon, she chooses to take a slower approach. "Currently, I have no intention of moving up to 42km, as I feel 21km suits my current capabilities," Hang stated. Her victory in Quy Nhon marks Hang's first time on the top podium at this event. Her last participation in the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon was in 2023, where she finished second behind Pham Thi Hong Le. This summer, the athlete from Quang Ninh participated in the VnExpress Marathon events in Da Nang and Nha Trang, expressing regret for missing the Vung Tau leg due to personal commitments. Hang mentioned she has registered for the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong on December 27, a race known in the community as the "personal best-setting race" due to its flat course and low temperatures. Hang indicated she is likely to participate if no unforeseen commitments arise. If she competes, it will be a race that brings together the elements she considers crucial for breaking her personal record: a favorable course and strong competitors.