Con Dao - Special ecosystem of sea turtles
Located off the southern coast, Con Dao is one of the few places in Vietnam where sea turtles still return to lay their eggs naturally each year. During the breeding season, hundreds of green turtles return to familiar sandy beaches to start a new life cycle - thanks to rare natural conditions: calm seas, soft light and an environment with almost no noise pollution.
Panoramic view of Con Dao from above in the brilliant dawn light
Notably, in the past year, sea turtles from the Philippines have traveled thousands of kilometers to choose Con Dao as their nesting ground, a rare phenomenon that reflects the pristine biological appeal that few places still retain. However, the conservation journey still faces many challenges: from plastic waste, illegal fishing to pressure from tourism development that gradually narrows natural nesting grounds.
Green turtles are laying eggs on the sand in Con Dao
Run for Sea Turtles - The Steadfast Journey of a Sustainable Initiative
“Save Turtles Run” is an annual event initiated by AKYN Group and The Secret Con Dao Hotel, combining community sports and responsible tourism with the mission of contributing to the conservation of the sea turtle ecosystem in Con Dao.
Baby turtles take their first steps into the ocean
The 2025 season continues to convey the message “Every Step We Take, Miles of Green We Make” through the image of the sea turtle life cycle shown on the jersey - from egg, hatching, adulthood and returning to the starting point. With a survival rate of less than 1/1,000, the life journey of a sea turtle clearly reflects the fragility of nature and the urgent need for human protection.
The sea turtle life cycle - a visual image recreated on this year's jersey.
What's new in the 2025 season
This year, Run for the Sea Turtles has expanded for the first time to include a semi-professional distance of 21km, in addition to the two familiar distances of 5km and 10km. This development marks a clear transformation of a grassroots running race, aiming towards a more professional organization and a sustainable sports experience at one of the most ecologically valuable destinations in Vietnam.
Athletes will depart at dawn - from when it is still dark until the first rays of sunlight appear on the sea - promising to bring a memorable competition journey amidst the pristine scenery of Con Dao.
The starting moment of the 2024 season
Memorable moments & virality from last season
In the 2024 season, a stranded turtle was discovered and promptly rescued by athletes during the competition - a rare moment that became a meaningful highlight for the spirit that the event pursues. From those real-life experiences, Running for Sea Turtles gradually attracted the companionship of many brands that share the same values, typically Onways, Filmore, VPBank, Searefico, Access Race, Minh Long, Traveloka, Ocany, Greeland Travel, Sen Decor, Aescentic... along with media units and nature-loving communities.
Stranded turtle rescued by athlete in 2024 season
The Secret Con Dao - Connecting sports, tourism & conservation
As the race organizer, The Secret Con Dao is located right on the central coast, featuring contemporary architecture in harmony with heritage. The hotel offers a complete resort experience amidst nature, indigenous culture and a commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
The Secret Con Dao has been hosting the race since its first season.
This is also the first hotel owned and operated by AKYN Hotel Group - the first step in the strategy of developing a luxury brand with its own identity. With a long-term vision, AKYN pursues the goal of creating ideal destinations, where each vacation is associated with a sustainable experience, the responsibility to preserve and enhance the value of Vietnamese tourism.
FOLLOW AND BOOK TICKETS FOR "SAVE TURTLES RUN 2025" AT:
· Facebook: Save Turtles Run - Run for Sea Turtles
