Story from a glass of water
Long "the freak" marathon was born and raised in Gia Lai - a province in the majestic Central Highlands.
I had the chance to meet him in person at the Spring At Ty meeting party organized by Dak Nong Newspaper on the evening of February 3, 2025, after launching the Dak Nong Marathon 2025 - Conquering the Southern Central Highlands.
After greetings, we started the conversation with a glass of water. At the party, everyone had more or less beer and wine. Mr. Long only drank mineral water.
I was curious and he shared: “I have quit drinking beer and alcohol for a long time. Drinking too much alcohol and beer is not good for health, it affects the body, especially for those who participate in professional sports.”
In the story about purified water, Mr. Long always shines with joy and many emotions: “My relatives are very supportive of me not drinking alcohol or beer. I listen to my body and feel light, comfortable and healthy. Choosing purified water is also a way for me to “slow down” in the life of modern society.”
Mr. Long personally believes: “In daily life or at parties, it is normal for Vietnamese people to use beer and wine to add a little fun. However, in my opinion, everyone should use beer and wine in moderation to protect their health and have just enough fun.”
Running spreads joy and health
I was impressed by Mr. Long because of his tanned skin, crow’s feet on his face but his smile always shines. He shared that because of his family’s difficult circumstances, he came to athletics quite late, only having the opportunity at the age of 20.
To pursue his passion for running, he put his university studies on hold. In 2005, he decided to join the Gia Lai province athletics team.
Later, while practicing, competing and studying, he completed the training program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Sports and graduated in 2014.
The highest achievement in Long “the mutant”’s career was winning the national marathon in 2009 and 2011 in the 42km distance. His best achievement was 2 hours and 29 minutes. He won the national championship in the 21km distance 3 times in a row in 2011, 2012, 2013, with his best achievement being 1 hour 8 minutes and 30 seconds. He was the champion of the Southeast Asian Marathon in 2007 in the Vietnam Marathon Team.
In 2022, Mr. Long successfully completed a cross-country running journey after 34 days from (April 10 to May 13). The starting point was from Tra Co district, Mong Cai city (Quang Ninh) to Ca Mau cape, with a total length of 2,846km.
His watch recorded that he ran a total of 2,656km in 34 consecutive days, averaging 78.1km/day. After this event, he was nicknamed the "mutant" of Vietnamese running.
Mr. Long shared: “In 2021, I decided to retire from my professional career at the age of 36, but deep down, I know that athletics is in my blood. I want to do something to spread the love and passion for sports. Especially when the Covid-19 epidemic is breaking out, everyone needs a place to rely on, thereby thinking more positively.”
After the Covid-19 epidemic was controlled, Long "the mutant" started building a running movement in Gia Lai, and at the same time built a Warm Clothes Fund for Children to compensate for some of the children in difficult circumstances.
“I chose to build the Warm Clothes Fund for Children because it is my hometown and also the place where Long was born and took his first steps,” he shared.
With 19 years of marathon experience, Mr. Long always conveys the message of running to spread happiness, healthy living and build solidarity.
Marathon Race Director - Conquering the Southern Central Highlands:
“Mutant” Nguyen Van Long participated as the Director of the Marathon - Conquering the Southern Central Highlands. The tournament was organized by Dak Nong Newspaper in collaboration with Vietpro Media Development Joint Stock Company, Motive Sports Brand, 5:30 Community - Healthy Every Day and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Nong Province. The tournament took place on May 31 and June 1, 2025 in Gia Nghia City, expected to attract about 4,000 participants.
Source: https://baodaknong.vn/gap-go-di-nhan-marathon-nguyen-van-long-242225.html
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