Vietnamese runner over 70 runs 160 km to celebrate the New Year.

Pham Van Cuong (63 years old) from Hai Phong ran 160 km in 18 hours and 37 minutes at a pace of 6:59 to welcome the new year 2024 and call for support for disadvantaged children.

Not in an official race, Mr. Pham Van Cuong conquered this milestone right within the Hoang Huy apartment complex (Hai Phong). On a route of only 2 km, he completed a total of 80 laps. The U70 runner started at 3 PM on December 30th and finished at just after 12 PM on December 31st, with the support of members of the Hoang Huy Runners Club.

Tracklog of Mr. Pham Van Cuong's 160 km run. Photo: Screenshot from Strava.

"When I reached the finish line, I felt fine, only my legs ached from running for so long. After a good night's sleep, I felt much better," Mr. Cuong said after completing his half-day journey.

More than just a New Year's celebration, Mr. Cuong's activity aimed to raise funds for charity, supporting underprivileged children in An Dong commune, An Duong district, Hai Phong city, so they could have a warm and fulfilling Tet holiday. According to preliminary statistics, over 30 million VND has been donated since the event.

"I find it meaningful to have both a personal record, which motivates the younger members of the club to practice, and to be able to support underprivileged children," Mr. Cuong said.

The moment Mr. Cuong completed the challenge. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

At 63 years old, Pham Van Cuong is known as a "prodigy" among runners in Hai Phong because of his endurance, willpower, and impressive track record. In early 2023, after completing the 70km Cuc Phuong Trail Race and feeling perfectly fine, Pham Cuong decided to try his hand at the 100km distance to see his limits.

He said that his wife was away that day, and he was so bored at home alone with nothing to do that he put on his running shoes and ran a total of 50 laps in the apartment complex's courtyard. He started at 3 PM and finished at 1:30 AM the next day. "Just putting on my running shoes, listening to my heartbeat, listening to my body, makes me incredibly happy; I no longer feel bored no matter how many times the route is repeated," the 70-year-old runner shared. Only two weeks passed between Mr. Cuong's Cuc Phuong race and his attempt at the 100km challenge.

In 2023, he participated in seven races organized by VnExpress Marathon, covering a distance of 21km. As a result, the U70 runner finished first in his age group in all seven races and set a personal best at the VnExpress Marathon in his hometown on December 17th, with a time of 1 hour and 32 minutes.

For many runners, achieving such a series of accomplishments requires at least three years of training, gradually increasing the distance. But for the extraordinary Pham Van Cuong, everything began at the VnExpress Marathon Ha Long, held in July 2022. At that time, a friend noticed that Mr. Cuong regularly practiced sports and invited him to run.

"My best time in my first race was over 4 hours, which was among the best in my age group, but because the bib number wasn't genuine, I didn't receive an award," he said.

Mr. Cuong won first place in the over-60 age group in the 21km race at VM Hai Phong 2023. Photo: VM.

Venturing into the "running business" in his later years, Mr. Cuong doesn't run haphazardly but selectively chooses races and distances where he can shine. "I can run 42km, but maintaining a pace of 5 or 6 wouldn't allow me to beat competitors like Vo Kinh. Therefore, I only register for half marathons to maintain my leading position. That's how I create joy and motivation on my running journey and take care of my health," Pham Cuong shared.

Not running alone, Mr. Cuong also managed to get his wife to run with him. At the VnExpress Marathon, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thoi regularly accompanies her husband. She is also a familiar name among the top runners in the 50-59 age group. Mrs. Thoi's best time is 1 hour and 53 minutes at the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong.

The spirit, effort, and perseverance of Mr. Cuong and Mrs. Thoi serve as an example for runners around the Hoang Huy apartment complex. Regardless of the season, rain or shine, they can always be seen running together in the courtyard from 4:30 AM onwards.

Currently, Mr. Cuong runs over 10 km every day. There were times when he ran 90 half marathons and 30 full marathons continuously. "Now, when I race, I only run half marathons. If I run shorter distances, I feel uncomfortable; my legs just crave more, it's a waste," he said with a smile.

Ms. Thoi (wearing an HPR shirt) running in the VM Hai Phong 2023 race. Photo: VM

Mr. Cuong researched and planned the entire training program for the couple himself. "In my free time, I would sit and research techniques and exercises on the internet and read and watch materials from runners around the world , then apply them to suit myself." Mrs. Thoi also strictly controlled the family's diet. All the food they consumed was purchased from reputable sources, ensuring it was clean and balanced in nutrients.

At nearly 70 years old, Mr. Cuong occasionally visits the doctor for check-ups to monitor his heart health. "My heart is still fine, my circulatory and respiratory systems are still good. I still measure my heart rate and blood pressure every day at home to control these indicators. If I didn't jog, I probably wouldn't be able to maintain my current health and spirits," Mr. Cuong said.

In the new year, the U70 runner said he will continue to challenge himself with higher goals, while maintaining his top 1 position in the age group for the half-marathon distance in the most recent race, the Ho Chi Minh City Night Race on March 3rd.

Thanh Lan

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/runner-viet-u70-chay-160-km-chao-nam-moi-4689448.html