Nguyen Trung Cuong will compete 'fairly' with Kenyan runners at Tien Phong Marathon 2025

How does Trung Cuong feel about entering Tien Phong Marathon 2025?

Tien Phong Marathon has always been a special tournament for me, not only because of its long history but also because it is a playground that gathers top athletes. Each season, Tien Phong Marathon 2025 brings athletes to a new land, so I always feel excited. This year, the tournament takes place in Quang Tri, a heroic land, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the country's liberation, so the meaning is even deeper.

How did Trung Cuong prepare for this tournament?

My teammates and I from the Vietnam Athletics Team have spent about three weeks training in Ha Tinh to get used to the weather and terrain conditions in the Central region. The training focuses on improving physical strength, endurance and competition tactics. This is a very important period of time, helping me achieve the best condition before entering the Tien Phong Marathon 2025.

Tien Phong Marathon 2025 has the participation of many international athletes in various distances. How do you evaluate the competitiveness of domestic and international athletes?

The presence of international athletes will certainly make the race more dramatic and professional. This is a good opportunity for Vietnamese athletes to compete, learn and improve their skills.

However, according to the regulations, international athletes only compete in the amateur system, so it does not directly affect the national team. What I care about is the domestic opponents, because they are all well-prepared and long distances and outdoor competitions are their forte.

In the 21.195km distance that Trung Cuong is holding the championship title, there is the participation of athlete Kimutai Hillary Kipchumba from Kenya. How do you rate this opponent?

Kenyan athletes have always been known for their superior physical strength, especially in long-distance running. Kimutai Hillary Kipchumba has also won many high achievements in tournaments in Vietnam. However, I will not give up because of that. I will compete fairly with them.

Does facing international athletes make Trung Cuong change his tactics or approach to the race?

When competing, I never stick to a fixed strategy but always flexibly adjust according to the actual developments on the track. For me, the best strategy is to improve my fitness, keep my legs and body healthy to aim for the best results.

Trung Cuong, how do you rate the competition conditions this year? Are you aiming to set a personal record (PR)?

This year’s route is very beautiful, especially running through sections with the national flag flying will bring a feeling of great pride and excitement. However, the route has many slopes and bridges, which will definitely affect the results.

So I’m not aiming for a PR in this race, I’m going to focus on maintaining a steady pace and finishing the race in the best possible way. My goal is to hold on to the top spot in the 21.125km men’s category. I’ll do my best to achieve that.

Nguyen Trung Cuong, born in 2000 in Ha Tinh, was discovered to have talent since middle school after winning the Phu Dong Sports Festival at district and provincial levels. Joining the national athletics team in 2016, Trung Cuong was trained and guided in his development by coach Tran Van Sy.

Trung Cuong's outstanding achievements include the Silver Medal in the 3000m Steeplechase at the 30th SEA Games and the Gold Medal in the 32nd SEA Games 3000m Steeplechase. Trung Cuong also broke the 2022 National Sports Festival record in both the 5,000m and 3,000m Steeplechase events.

As for Tien Phong Marathon, Trung Cuong won the Gold Medal in the youth category in 2028 and 2019, was the runner-up in the 10km distance at Tien Phong Marathon 2023, the champion in the 21km distance at Tien Phong Marathon 2024, and many other achievements in grassroots running competitions.

Trong Dat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nguyen-trung-cuong-se-canh-tranh-song-phang-voi-runner-kenya-tai-tien-phong-marathon-2025-post1728973.tpo