How did Vu Dinh Duan win VM Hanoi Midnight?

When the timer at MetaSports Marathon Hanoi Midnight passed 2 hours 31 minutes and 06 seconds, Vu Dinh Duan was still a long way from the finish line and knew he couldn't break the VM system record. This also signals that the November 27 night race in Hanoi is not as easy as two years ago. In the top 3, who are approaching the finish line, in addition to Duan, there are two other runners, Dang Anh Quyet and To Tan Tai.

This ranking is also maintained until three runners reach the finish line. With a record of 2 hours 45 minutes 15 seconds, 15 seconds faster than Dang Anh Quyet, Vu Dinh Duan was crowned the champion of the Hanoi night run and broke his own personal record (PR). To Tan Tai finished third.

"Winning at MetaSports Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2022 is a sweet result after many days of hard work and practice. I'm happy and surprised with this result. Because here gathers athletes with good achievements. This victory was achieved by luck," Vu Dinh Duan (25 years old, Quang Ninh) shared right after the finish line.

In the temperature of about 24 degrees Celsius, somewhat hot, at the starting line of VM Hanoi Midnight, Vu Dinh Duan foreshadowed a more difficult race than usual. The clock struck 0 o'clock, he and the elite team rushed forward at a higher pace than usual, averaging 3:45.

Two athletes Nguyen Van Long (Ha Tinh Runner) and Hung Hai continuously took turns leading. Duan fell behind, following the group with runners Dinh Linh, Dan Quyet, Hoang Huy... Worried about being left too far by the top two runners, he decided to separate from this group.

From km 17, the guy from Quang Ninh crossed over to Hung Hai, continuing to leave Nguyen Van Long from km 23. "When I caught up with Mr. Long, I followed behind to relieve fatigue, but Mr. Long told him to go ahead because he had already left. I was tired, there were signs of leg pain. I took the initiative to overcome," the champion said. It was also a turning point for Duan to leave the top behind and take the lead for the rest of the way.

Despite taking the lead, he was still worried about losing his advantage because of the weather. High humidity in the night air. It's been 2 hours, but it's still hot and it's a big challenge for everyone, except for Duan. "I started to feel out of breath at km 28, had to actively reduce the pace to reach the finish line safely and prepare a strategy if the next top caught up," he said. The remaining half of the race, Duan witnessed many runners having cramps, even walking.

The last 5 km is the most difficult time for the champion when the pace drops to only 4:20 / km. He predicted that if he maintained that speed for another 2-3 km, he would be surpassed by Dang Anh Quyet. At this time, the will urges the champion to push the speed, keep the leading position until the finish line.

According to Duan, this victory was achieved through willpower, speed calculation and adherence to the nutrition plan. Before the race, the 25-year-old brought 6 salt tablets and 6 gel packs. He loaded salt and gel for the first time at warm-up. After the start, use salt and gel at km 7, number 14, number 21, number 27, number 35. Duan has maintained this nutritional strategy in many races.

"Before the night run, my physical strength decreased due to illness and fever. Preparing for VM Hanoi Midnight, I only met about 80% of the exercise volume," said Duan.

This is the first time Vu Dinh Duan has won the full marathon at a major tournament. This victory, along with the Aquaman Vietnam biathlon championship in October, helped him put his name on the Vietnamese marathon map. After VM Hanoi Midnight, Duan intends to spend more time resting, preparing for the National Sports Festival, aiming to win a place at the 32nd SEA Games.

10 years ago, Vu Dinh Duan used to practice and compete in the military sports team. But circumstances did not allow him to pursue a professional path. In 2016, Duan decided to retire. However, his love of sports is too great, prompting this guy to practice and compete. A year later, when life gradually settled down, he decided to return, starting with the movement tournament.

Since then, this guy's performance has improved with each award. He used to be in the top age group of tournaments in the VM system, 1st place in the 31st SEA Games companion tournament, with a record of 2 hours 47 minutes 56 seconds, the Aquaman Vietnam pentathlon championship and this time the championship. Hanoi night race.