Special athlete conquers marathon, extraordinary willpower at age 73

At the age of 73, with extraordinary willpower and unlimited sportsmanship, Mrs. Bui Thi Tich, Khuan Khan village, Xuan Van commune, Tuyen Quang province has become a great source of inspiration at marathon races.

Ms. Bui Thi Tich, a woman born in 1952, has just set a record as the oldest runner at the Tuyen Quang province marathon in 2025.

Ms. Bui Thi Tich sets a record as the oldest runner at the Tuyen Quang Provincial Marathon in 2025.

PHOTO: DO TU

Two years ago, when she entered old age, Ms. Tich had to face many health problems, and traveling and exercising regularly was a challenge. "Before I started running, I had heart, joint, and sciatica problems. However, thanks to my perseverance with running, my health has improved dramatically.

After two years, I no longer need to take any western medicine. I feel healthy, so I try to persevere and not give up until I can no longer walk," Ms. Tich shared.

The change in her physical health has made Ms. Tich much more optimistic. She often jokes that she is in a "reverse aging" phase, with clear skin, firm muscles and a slim stomach, making her look ten years younger.

The great spirit and will of the marathon 'record holder'

At first, Ms. Tich's training process also encountered many difficulties. However, thanks to her perseverance, she regained her spirit and practiced strictly and with discipline. "Every day, I go jogging from 4am to 6am. When it's cool, I run for many hours, when it's sunny, I come back early, running at least 4km a day," Ms. Tich said.

Because of setting high speed and distance goals and a hectic training schedule, Ms. Tich often suffered from tendon and muscle injuries, but her recovery time was quite fast. Currently, she has found a training method that suits her physical condition.

Contrary to the belief that old age makes bones and joints unsuitable for strenuous exercise, Mrs. Tich believes that her body parts are still "soft" and function better if she exercises. Early in the morning, her children join her for a jog near her home.

Mrs. Tich maintains the habit of jogging every morning.

PHOTO: DO TU

Up to now, Ms. Tich has participated in many marathons. Recently, she had a memorable experience when she completed the 5km distance for the first time at the Tuyen Quang Provincial Marathon.

"The first time I joined the race, I was a bit hesitant because of my old age. However, at that time, my children encouraged me to join to challenge myself," said Ms. Tich.

On the track, she did not focus on her performance but focused on distributing her physical strength to complete the 5km within the specified time, taking the opportunity to admire the surrounding scenery. She did not race or try to exert herself like young athletes. "When I reached the finish line, I burst into happiness," Ms. Tich recalled the feeling of conquering the track for the first time.

Standing on the same starting line with young runners is a source of great pride for her. Seeing other athletes run past at a faster pace is always a motivation for her to improve her performance in daily training sessions. With her impressive achievements, especially the record of the oldest marathon runner at the Tuyen Quang Provincial Marathon in 2025, Ms. Bui Thi Tich hopes to spread the spirit of love for exercise to the community.

"I want to share a little experience as well as spread the love of exercise to the young generation, building more strength for the provincial running club. In addition, it is also a message to other older athletes that I also started from zero and achieved my goal," Ms. Tich confided.

Ms. Duong Minh Nguyet, Secretary of Tuyen Quang Provincial Youth Union, acknowledged that Ms. Bui Thi Tich's record-breaking as the oldest marathon runner at the age of 73 has inspired young people. Her resilience, determination and passion for sports have proven that age is never a barrier for us to pursue our goals and live an active, positive life.

"Mrs. Tich's journey to conquer the race track has sent a strong message about a healthy lifestyle, about maintaining physical fitness to have a happy, quality life.

The story of Ms. Bui Thi Tich will be a great motivation for the youth of Tuyen Quang to constantly strive, train their bodies and build an increasingly strong sports movement, contributing to the overall development of the province," Ms. Nguyet expressed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vdv-dac-biet-chinh-phuc-duong-dua-marathon-nghi-luc-phi-thuong-o-tuoi-73-185251023173210123.htm