Cheating athletes score permanent national marathon ban

Organizers received several complaints regarding Lien's behavior at the end of the 2021 national marathon on March 8. After reviewing race footage, it was determined Lien, BIB number 81896, had cheated during the marathon when she passed her BIB number on to Le Duc Ke, a man, to clinch the women’s half-distance category on her behalf.

Ke, BIB number 80744, violated the rules by carrying Lien's BIB number and helping her finish first.

In light of the evidence, organizers stripped Lien of the title and required her to return her prize money and other gifts within five days.

With Ke’s results similarly nullified, both athletes were banded permanently from competing in the marathon.

The 62nd national marathon in the Central Highlands' Gia Lai Province saw the participation of over 4,400 runners, including 240 pro athletes. The tournament serves as an opportunity to select 200 amateur marathon runners to compete at SEA Games 31, to be hosted in Hanoi this year.