Mr. Phan Khánh Bá and his collection of medals from running competitions in various provinces and cities - Photo: TRẦN HOÀI
From a farmer accustomed to the rhythm of life in the fields, Mr. Bá has become a true runner, conquering many challenging routes in numerous major and minor races across the country.
These are not just personal milestones, but also a journey of spreading the spirit of healthy and positive living to the entire family across generations.
An 80-year-old runner has conquered nearly 20 races.
Every early morning, while the village air is still quiet, Mr. Phan Khanh Ba begins his familiar run. His simple athletic shoes, sweat-soaked shirt, and small but sturdy frame—this image repeats regularly, a part of his daily routine.
Mr. Bá recounted that in 2022, he accompanied his son to a running race in Quy Nhơn. Standing among hundreds, even thousands, of people starting at the same time for the first time, he couldn't hide his bewilderment.
That atmosphere, the hurried footsteps, the cheering applause, the smiles along the track left an unforgettable impression on him.
"Initially, I just thought I'd go to see what it was like, but then I found it fun and felt like I wanted to give it a try," he recounted.
From that first attempt, he began maintaining a daily training routine. Without rushing or focusing too much on results, he chose to listen to his body, starting with slow steps and gradually increasing the distance.
Mr. Phan Khánh Bá finishes the race - Photo: Provided by the interviewee
Having trained and participated in numerous races in Nha Trang, Gia Lai, Dak Lak , Ly Son Island, etc., starting from 5km, he gradually increased the distance to 10km and now 21km. These numbers not only speak of his perseverance but also demonstrate the fearless spirit of a seasoned veteran who has been running for decades.
At the national marathon championship held in Nha Trang at the end of March 2026, Mr. Ba completed the 21km race in 3 hours and 6 minutes. The image of the healthy, cheerful 80-year-old man crossing the finish line surprised, moved, and inspired countless people.
When asked about his secret, Mr. Ba just smiled and said, "There's nothing extraordinary about it, just perseverance."
According to him, every day when you go outside to run, even if your body is tired or in pain, just the effort to overcome yourself is a victory.
At 80 years old, he doesn't prioritize achievements or running times. What he aims for is maintaining an active lifestyle, an optimistic spirit, and stable health.
One step, many generations move together.
Mr. Bá and Mr. Nguyễn Đình Việt conquered the challenging running route in Gia Lai - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
The person who helped open up that journey for Mr. Ba was his son, Phan Hoang Nguyen (37 years old). He was the one who researched, registered for the competition, and accompanied him from the very beginning. Nguyen also witnessed firsthand the changes in his father.
"Initially, the family was worried because my father is getting old. But after participating in his first race and going through the training process until now, we've gradually seen his health improve and his spirits lift, so everyone feels relieved," Mr. Nguyen shared.
What surprised him wasn't that his father continued to participate in many races, but how he spread that spirit to those around him.
From someone whose son accompanied him on his running adventures, Mr. Ba has become an inspiration for his children and grandchildren to put on their running shoes and start running.
To date, the family has arranged to participate in multiple races, so now all the children and grandchildren in the family are actively involved in running.
Accompanying Mr. Bá on many journeys is a special friend - his father-in-law, Mr. Nguyễn Đình Việt (67 years old, from Nha Trang).
In the mornings, they would set off together, chatting along the way. When participating in the race, they would stand side-by-side, reminding each other to conserve energy and maintain their rhythm.
"Having someone to run with is more fun and easier to maintain. Sometimes, just seeing that we're still able to run gives us extra motivation," Mr. Viet shared.
Their companionship is simple yet enduring, much like how they maintain their health and spirits each day in their twilight years.
And along those paths, Mr. Ba's footsteps continued quietly, like a new rhythm of life, slow but full of vitality.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/runner-80-tuoi-va-hanh-trinh-chinh-phuc-nhung-duong-chay-20260401185233754.htm
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