11-year journey of immortal spirit on Tien Phong Marathon track

11 years, a journey of immortal spirit!

Quang Tri Memories 2025 – Where my heart overcame my painful legs to continue running, not only for victory, but for all those who believed in and accompanied me…

"Eleven years - not just a number, but a lifetime in every step".

When I first set foot on the Tien Phong Marathon in 2010 held at Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi, I never thought I would go this far. But as each year passed, each challenge I overcame, I began to understand: each step was an affirmation - That I am a Vietnamese who can conquer any peak with my own will and perseverance.

In 2025, Quang Tri welcomed me with rain and wind carrying many memories. But for me, this is not just a tournament, but a battle of an 11-year journey. Prolonged injuries, treatment everywhere seemed to make me give up halfway ahead. There was a time, the important National Championship at the end of 2024 recently, I dropped out to focus on treatment, absent from the grassroots tournaments, where love connects.

But then I remembered the expectations of my teachers, parents, wife, children, teammates, and people from North to South who cheered me on through each season. I remembered the children wearing red shirts with yellow stars in Si Ma Cai district, Lao Cai province, where I had the opportunity to go at the end of 2024, and the runners and young people who said: "Anh Luat is the reason I started running."

So I didn't allow myself to stop.

Even though my legs were still aching and my performance was not at a level I could be satisfied with, I still decided to run. Because I know: sports are not just about speed, but about the ability to overcome yourself.

11-time men's 10km champion - Tien Phong Marathon: Not because I'm the fastest, but because I've always been the most persistent. I also always feel lucky in that.

I would like to sincerely thank: My teachers, friends, and teammates in the Border Guard uniform who have always been with me like a family; My competitors on the track – you have made me want to be better every day; Tien Phong Newspaper – the place that has kept and lit a sports flame for more than half a century.

Do Quoc Luat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/hanh-trinh-11-nam-cua-tinh-than-bat-diet-tren-duong-chay-tien-phong-marathon-post1730230.tpo