Vietnamese American to make VM Hanoi Midnight her 204th marathon

Ngoc, 57, said that after 20 years joining numerous marathons, she is no longer nervous before a race, except for this one, which is her first race in Vietnam. The runner was born in HCMC but moved to the U.S. when she was 9.

“I have special love for the Old Quarter, and want to explore Hanoi at night. I will definitely try some delicious dishes,” said Ngoc, whose most recent trip to Hanoi was five years ago.

Nguyen Bich Ngoc at VM Hanoi Midnight’s kit pickup area. Photo by Tran Quynh

Ngoc started running at age 35 as she wanted to get in shape after giving birth to her second child.

She gradually found a passion for running, and has participated in 203 marathons in 10 countries, including the Boston Marathon where she completed the full distance in 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Ngoc said more than 200 medals are a collection of experiences. She completed races in all 50 U.S. states, having run in snowy Icelandic winter, and in the sweltering heat of Thailand.

“I feel calm and relaxed while running,” she said. She practices running every day as she wants to inspire her two kids to love working out. “I want to teach my children with actions, instead of words.”

Ngoc found out about the VM Hanoi Midnight 2022 on a website that lists marathons around the world, and she registered for it as the race date matches her work schedule in Cambodia that borders Vietnam. She signed up for the 10km distance as 42km tickets were sold out.