The runner, born in 2003, is a phenomenon in Vietnam's amateur marathon scene during the autumn-winter 2025 season, a period when many races in Northern Vietnam offer favorable conditions for achieving high results. He not only set four new personal bests in two months but also improved his PR to 2 hours 23 minutes 32 seconds at the Ha Long Heritage Marathon last weekend.

Huynh Anh Khoi discussing his recent journey at the Hanoi night run press conference on 24/11. Photo: Giang Huy

This achievement places Khoi fifth on the list of the fastest marathon runners in Vietnamese history. Only Hoang Nguyen Thanh, Nguyen Van Lai, Nguyen Chi Dong, and Pham Tien San, who trained professionally for decades, have better times. Among these, Nguyen Thanh and Tien San achieved their records in international races.

Khoi trained with the Ho Chi Minh City athletics team nearly 10 years ago, specializing in middle-short distances for about five years. According to him, the pressure on a national team athlete was immense, and it was one reason he left that path in 2022, when he was 19 years old.

"Transitioning to marathon, I run with a relaxed mindset, making each kilometer more enjoyable and meaningful. I run to find joy, and I feel happy when I run", Khoi said. The 22-year-old runner emphasized the importance of enjoying each race, alongside maintaining a consistent training and recovery schedule.

"I don't feel overloaded because my recent training and recovery schedules have been adjusted appropriately, and my body is still responding well for this weekend's race", he shared ahead of the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight Powered by Puma, scheduled for 0:00 on 30/11.

In modern endurance training, mental factors and recovery are considered as crucial as quality training sessions. Many coaches and professional athletes highlight that a relaxed mental state helps the body reduce stiffness, maintain a stable running pace, and limit the risk of injury.

Indeed, a relaxed mindset has helped many athletes achieve significant progress. At the VnExpress Marathon All-Stars 2025, Pham Thi Hong Le broke her personal record by two minutes thanks to a relaxed mindset after leaving the national team. A long-built endurance foundation also plays an important role. For Anh Khoi, he has been one of the most diligent runners among the amateur elite over the past one and a half years, gaining extensive racing experience despite being only 22 years old.

Beyond the mental aspect, Khoi adheres to several recovery principles to ensure his body performs well between races. Before a race, he hydrates, supplements electrolytes, and avoids trying new foods to prevent digestive issues. When competing in a different locality, the 22-year-old runner limits travel and dedicates more time to rest. After a race, he allows his body one to two days of rest, avoids heavy training, and prioritizes sleep.

"To go the long distance, listening to your body is most important. I am content that my journey is filled with joy, accompanied by friends and family, and I get to be myself. Therefore, I view each milestone as a reminder to strive harder, rather than letting it become a source of pressure", Khoi said.

Huynh Anh Khoi waving to the audience during VM Da Nang in July. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Participating in the Hanoi Night Run for the second time, Anh Khoi stated he is drawn to the quietness, intertwined with the vibrant rhythm of the capital's streets at night.

"I am most impressed by the sections of the road with many young spectators, who stay up all night cheering for the athletes. I feel energized by them", Khoi said.

He mentioned he would wear his familiar pink shirt, which he playfully calls his "lucky charm" shirt, associated with important milestones in his running journey. "I believe that dressing well when competing is also a way to boost mental strength. When I feel better about how I look, I become more confident, and from that, I will be bolder to perform better", Khoi shared.

The VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight Powered by Puma, starting at 0:00 on 30/11, allows runners to experience the city's ancient charm mixed with modernity, passing iconic landmarks such as Ho Guom, the Old Quarter, the Grand Opera House, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, all in the cool night air.

Lan Anh