The standout performance came from Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ, who claimed the individual gold medal for the second consecutive year. Gia Lai also secured the women’s team gold, while the women’s youth team added a bronze, underscoring the depth and balance created by the newly merged delegation.
The results marked a significant milestone for Gia Lai athletics, which had once dominated the Ba Ra Peak marathon between 2007 and 2009 but later lost momentum due to limited investment in elite sport. Building a competitive generation of athletes proved time-consuming, and the province struggled to maintain its edge for several years.
Recent seasons, however, have shown renewed promise. A blend of emerging talents such as Trịnh Minh Tâm, Hà Quang Thắng and Nguyễn Thành Đạt, alongside experienced runners Nguyễn Thị Duyên and Nguyễn Thị Thu Thảo, helped rebuild the squad. Yet the team lacked a decisive leader capable of driving both individual and team success.
That gap narrowed following the merger with Bình Định, home to established star Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ. Experts had expected the two former provinces to complement each other, combining strengths in middle- and long-distance running and mountain events.
Ngô Gia Hùng, Deputy Director of the Pleiku Center for Sports Training and Competition, said athletes from both sides adapted quickly. “They integrated well, competed with determination and aimed not only for individual success but also for collective achievements under the Gia Lai name,” he said.
Beyond Hồng Lệ’s gold, Thu Thảo finished fifth—one place higher than in 2025—while Duyên placed sixth, improving by five positions from her previous appearance. Their combined efforts secured the women’s team title. In the women’s youth category, Nguyễn Thị Hồng Thắm, Đặng Thị Kiều Mãng, R-Noa and Rơ Châm Ngạn earned bronze.
According to Hùng, the tournament provided coaches with valuable insights into each athlete’s strengths and limitations, forming the basis for preparations for the 2026 National Sports Games and the 67th Tiền Phong Newspaper Marathon and Long-Distance Championships in Khánh Hòa in March 2026.
“With many localities merging and competition becoming increasingly fierce, early planning and timely adjustments are essential,” Hùng said, expressing confidence that Gia Lai’s promising start will translate into sustained success.