On the morning of 20/7, the singer finished the half marathon in 3 hours and 8 minutes. Although almost 30 minutes slower than her personal best, she was satisfied with completing the race in the spirit she intended: no pressure, just enjoyment.

Ai Phuong finishes the 21km race at VnExpress Marathon Da Nang. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Ai Phuong finishes the 21km race at VnExpress Marathon Da Nang. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

"With a busy work schedule and limited training time, my goal was to run safely and have fun. Just being part of the event's exciting atmosphere was a success," she shared, adding that the runners' welcoming spirit energized her.

Ai Phuong said the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang was a place to reconnect with friends who share her passion for running. "We talked about shoes, accessories, and training methods. On the course, some people recognized me and shouted, 'Go Ai Phuong!' Even a single word of encouragement helped me overcome fatigue," she recounted.

Having completed the 21km Vietnam Mountain Marathon, a renowned trail race in Vietnam, Ai Phuong is one of the few artists who maintains a long-distance running habit. She has said that running helps her maintain physical fitness, improve her mental well-being, and provides inspiration for her artistic creations.

"I enjoy marathons for their social aspect. It's easy to strike up conversations with people on the course, discussing endurance strategies. You can even quickly become friends with like-minded individuals," she emphasized.

Having visited Da Nang numerous times for performances and races, Ai Phuong said she is always captivated by the city's scenic beauty and friendly people. She believes the Da Nang course offers a rich experience with its blend of urban landscapes, rivers, beaches, and bridges. This creates continuous changes in scenery, preventing runners from getting bored.

The singer interacts with runners at the 21km starting line. Photo: VM

The singer interacts with runners at the 21km starting line. Photo: VM

She praised the professional organization of the VnExpress Marathon and the sense of community it fosters. "I enjoy running in places where people are open to conversation and encouraging one another. Running is a form of moving meditation, well-suited to modern life," Ai Phuong expressed.

Born in 1989, Ai Phuong is a singer, actress, and MC. She won the "Promising Singer" award at Lan Song Xanh 2015. A songwriter, she has released notable tracks such as Trot Yeu, Co Don, and Duong Ve Nha. She has also appeared in films including Tia Tui La Cao Thu, 4 Nam, 2 Chang, 1 Tinh Yeu, and Yeu Di, Dung So!. Recently, she participated in the show Chi Dep Dap Gio season 2, leaving a lasting impression.

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