The story begins with a glass of plain water.
Long, the "marathon prodigy," was born and raised in Gia Lai – a province in the majestic Central Highlands of Vietnam.
I had the opportunity to meet him in person at the Spring Festival gathering organized by Dak Nong Newspaper on the evening of February 3, 2025, following the launch of the Dak Nong Marathon 2025 - Conquering Southern Central Highlands.
After exchanging greetings, we began our conversation over glasses of water. At the party, everyone had had some beer or wine, but Long only drank bottled water.
I was curious, and he shared with me: "I quit drinking beer and alcohol a long time ago. Drinking too much alcohol is bad for your health and affects your body, especially for those who pursue professional sports ."
In his story about filtered water, Long's face always radiates joy and emotion: "My family fully supports my decision not to drink alcohol. I listen to my body and feel lighter, more comfortable, and healthier. Choosing filtered water is also a way for me to 'slow down' in modern society."
Long personally believes that: "In daily life or at parties, it's normal for Vietnamese people to use beer and wine to add a little excitement. However, in my opinion, everyone should consume beer and wine in moderation to protect their health and keep the fun just right."
Running promotes a happy and healthy life.
I was impressed by Long's tanned skin, the wrinkles etched on his face, but his smile always shone brightly. He shared that due to difficult family circumstances, he came to athletics quite late, only having the opportunity at the age of 20.
Driven by his intense passion for running, he put his university studies on hold. In 2005, he decided to apply to the Gia Lai provincial athletics team.
Later, while training, competing, and studying simultaneously, he completed his training program at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Sports and Physical Education and graduated in 2014.
Long "the eccentric" achieved his greatest accomplishments in his racing career, winning the national marathon in 2009 and 2011 in the 42km distance. His best time was 2 hours and 29 minutes. He also won the national championship in the 21km distance three times in a row in 2011, 2012, and 2013, with his best time being 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 30 seconds. He was the champion of the Southeast Asian Marathon in 2007 while representing the Vietnamese National Marathon Team.
In 2022, Long successfully completed his cross-Vietnam running journey in 34 days (April 10th - May 13th). Starting from Tra Co district, Mong Cai city (Quang Ninh province) to Ca Mau Cape, the total distance was 2,846km.
His watch recorded a total of 2,656km run over 34 consecutive days, averaging 78.1km per day. After this event, he was nicknamed the "prodigy" of Vietnamese running.
Long shared: “In 2021, I decided to retire from professional competition at the age of 36, but deep down, I knew that athletics was in my blood. I wanted to do something to spread the love and passion for sports. Especially when the Covid-19 pandemic was raging, everyone needed a source of faith and confidence to think more positively.”
After the Covid-19 pandemic was brought under control, Long "the eccentric" started building a running movement in Gia Lai, and at the same time established the Warm Clothes Fund for Children to partially compensate for children in difficult circumstances.
"I chose to establish the Warm Clothes Fund for Long because of my hometown, the place where he was born, and the place where he took his first steps," he shared.
Having dedicated 19 years to marathon running, Long has consistently conveyed the message of running to promote a joyful and healthy lifestyle and to foster a spirit of unity.
Race Director of the Marathon - Conquering Southern Central Highlands:
"The 'extraordinary' Nguyen Van Long is participating as the Race Director of the Marathon - Conquering Southern Central Highlands." The event is organized by Dak Nong Newspaper in collaboration with Vietpro Media Development Joint Stock Company, Motive Sports Brand, the 5:30 AM - Fun and Healthy Every Day Community, and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Nong Province. The race will take place on May 31st and June 1st, 2025 in Gia Nghia City, and is expected to attract approximately 4,000 participants.
Source: https://baodaknong.vn/gap-go-di-nhan-marathon-nguyen-van-long-242225.html
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