The VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang 2025, held on the morning of 24/8, marked Nguyen Van Lai's first 42km race in the coastal city. After a 4-month absence from competition, the 39-year-old runner chose Nha Trang for his return to assess his fitness, due to the challenging course with its inclines and headwinds.

Lai and former national team runner Le Van Tuan engaged in a captivating duel in the marathon. The two runners stayed close for over 30km, before Tuan experienced leg problems and slowed down. Lai maintained a steady pace, finishing the race in 2 hours 31 minutes to claim victory. This is his second victory over Tuan in an official race this year.

Nguyen Van Lai at the moment of victory at the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang. Photo: Duc Dong

Nguyen Van Lai at the moment of victory at the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang. Photo: Duc Dong

Lai's decision to participate in the VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang was made at the last minute, after considering the weather and his physical condition. "I ran to maintain my feel for racing, to test myself on a course with hills and wind, and to improve myself," he shared after finishing. For Lai, the result in Nha Trang is significant in his preparation for major year-end goals.

His biggest goal is securing a spot in the SEA Games in Thailand this December. "If there are two spots in the 42km event, I have a chance. But if there's only one, it's very difficult," he admitted. The official roster is expected to be announced by the Vietnam Athletics Federation at the end of August.

Lai used his results from the National Marathon Championship and the Tien Phong Marathon 2025 in Quang Tri to apply for a SEA Games spot. This race serves as the primary basis for the Vietnam Athletics Federation's marathon runner selection for the regional games.

Van Lai and Van Tuan running together during the first half of the race on the morning of 24/8. Photo: VM

Van Lai and Van Tuan running together during the first half of the race on the morning of 24/8. Photo: VM

If two spots are allocated for the men's 42km event, Lai still has a chance. However, if only one spot remains, Hoang Nguyen Thanh, the national record holder with a time of 2 hours 18 minutes 42 seconds, likely has the advantage.

Despite transitioning to marathon running at 37, Lai quickly established himself among the top Vietnamese runners. His personal best is 2 hours 24 minutes 33 seconds, set at the Viettel Marathon Angkor Wat in December 2024. This time made him the second-fastest marathoner in Vietnamese history, surpassing Pham Tien San and Nguyen Chi Dong.

If he qualifies for the SEA Games, Lai plans to compete in one race in October to stay in shape, before focusing entirely on the December games. If not selected, he will participate in more community races for the rest of the year when the weather is more favorable. At 39, the six-time SEA Games champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m events affirms his continued passion for marathon running, viewing it as a new milestone before concluding his elite athletics career.

Lan Anh