Marathoner dreams of being first vision-impaired ironman

Marathon

Vũ Tiến Mạnh seen at the moment he is to step on the finish line electronic beacon of the 2023 Hạ Long International Heritage Marathon. Mạnh is the first Vietnamese vision-impaired marathoner. Photo of Hạ Long International Heritage Marathon

Thanh Hà

Exhausted. Gruelling. Painful.

Vũ Tiến Mạnh just wanted to stop, give no more effort, and not run even one single centimetre.

But around him people shouted "Go on," "Move on," and "Keep running."

Mạnh came to life, feeling stronger and better. He took a deep breath and ran across the finish line.

He became Việt Nam's first vision-impaired marathoner, finishing the 42km distance in a time of 3hr 41min at the Hạ Long Bay Heritage Marathon 2023.

"It was November 19. I will never forget the moment when I stepped over the finish line," Mạnh told Việt Nam News.

"I cried because of happiness and pride. I made my dream come true: becoming a marathoner. More than that, I am the first Vietnamese blind marathoner."

Running to dream

The medal hangs on a wall in his living room. Next to it is a gold that Mạnh won at a national championship for students with disabilities in 2014.

These two medals tell their owner's tough journey to being a marathoner.

Born with nystagmus, Mạnh's visual acuity was almost zero. However, his visual impairment could not prevent him from running.

"To me, the first gold is the most valuable medal. It not only opened a door for me to be a pro athlete but also helped me tell my parents 'I can make it'," he said.

Mạnh was a national team member representing Việt Nam at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

In his regional sporting festival debut, he won three silvers in the 800m, 1,500m and 4x100m. 

Vũ Tiến Mạnh (right) and his guide pose for photo after winning silver in the 800m event at the 12 ASEAN Para Games in 2023 in Cambodia. — VNS Photo Thái Dương

"The moment standing on the podium to receive the medal was special. I felt proud and could not hold back my tears. It was so emotional," Mạnh said.

Having run for almost a decade, Mạnh has only run long distances for three years.

The pandemic kept Mạnh away from his normal practice. Staying at home was boring, so he decided to try something new: running longer than usual.

His distance increased over time and by last November, Mạnh decided to test his ability in a full marathon.

"In fact, when anyone else starts running, they want to conquer the full marathon distance. It is a dream of every runner," Mạnh said.

"I felt good after 30km and thought it was just a fun run, the race was almost over. However, at 39km I was out of battery. My legs turned to lead. I had cramps, and a massive desire to stop running.

Luckily, he was pushed by his guide and many other runners. At least 10 slowed down to run with Mạnh. 

Vũ Tiến Mạnh (right) and other vision-impaired runners in a practice session in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of Tiến Mạnh

"I was touched by their love. They did not mind their race but tried to help me reach my dream. I crossed the finish line with my mind, my spirit, and people's encouragement," he said.

Mạnh will next run a half-marathon at the National Marathon Championship at the end of this month in Phú Yên.

He will run his second full marathon in this year's Hạ Long Heritage Marathon, eyeing new heights.

"I hope to set a new personal record, running in 3.30 hours. And for further plans, I will train and compete in an ironman triathlon event which gathers swimming, cycling, and running," he said.

Running for all

Mạnh does not run alone. He founded the Blind Runner Club, which has become home to almost 40 members over nearly four years.

Vũ Tiến Mạnh (left, front row) and members of the Blind Runners Club practise at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium. — Photo courtesy Tiến Mạnh

"They think they can't run without their eyes but running is one of the most accessible sports for the blind," said Mạnh, who designs exercises for his members.

In addition to the support of guides, vision-impaired runners must maximise the power of other senses during training and competing. Running in the dark means blind runners' hearing must operate at 200 per cent.

"We will listen to the footsteps of other runners to adjust our pace. Besides this, our ears have to replace our eyes to capture other important information through the alarm of a running watch, or the guide's direction," he said.

After years of training, Mạnh and his club have taken part in many tournaments and all members have completed their distances.

After years of working, Vũ Tiến Mạnh and his many members of the Blind Runners have been regular participants in various running events. — Photo of Hạ Long International Heritage Marathon

"Running without seeing is not easy but under the strong support of the club managers and guides, I have reached my first turning points," said club member Nguyễn Đức Nghị.

"I have run 1km and 5km. Mạnh always encourages us, every small progress is recognised and praised."

Meanwhile another club member, Khương Thị Hằng, said: "At first I thought I couldn't run. But then I realised that running helps reduce stress."

Mạnh believes that him and his team can meet their challenges, no matter what.

"As people with disabilities, we meet with more challenges than ordinary runners. But if we have passion and confidence, we can run because running is for everyone," he said. VNS