Located off the southern coast, Con Dao has long been known as a land that combines both historical values and pristine nature. This is also one of the rare places in Vietnam where sea turtles still return to lay their eggs naturally every year, creating a rare unique feature for the island's ecosystem.
Since 2022, the “Save Turtles Run” has been held annually in August in Con Dao, initiated by AKYN Group and The Secret Con Dao Hotel, with the support of many organizations. For three consecutive years, Travellive Media Group has played the role of media sponsor, contributing to spreading the meaning and value of the event to the public. After four seasons, “Save Turtles Run” has become a familiar meeting place for sports enthusiasts, domestic and foreign tourists, joining hands to spread the message of sea turtle conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism.
Partial view of Con Dao from above
Dawn on the Run
At 5am, when the sky was still a dark blue in the distance, I was already at the starting line. The early morning air in Con Dao should be so quiet that only the murmur of the waves could be heard, but that day it was bustling with the sound of hundreds of athletes preparing. More than 560 participants, from international tourists, groups of young people to families and children, all had the same reason: running for sea turtles.
The athletes started at 4am, when it was not yet light.
This year, the race added a 21km distance. The green coastal road with the green trees and the sea and sky were enough for runners to feel the beauty of the island. As the dawn began to appear on the sea, we ran through the tree-lined roads, past historical sites and along the blue beach. Each step was not only towards the finish line but also like a silent commitment to nature.
I met a Japanese athlete named Kento, who participated in the race last year and returned this year to conquer a new distance of 21 km. He said that “I love Con Dao not only because of the beautiful scenery but also because of the meaning of the race”. I also saw Nguyen Quang Hung - a disabled athlete, trying his best to complete the 21 km route on a wheelchair with the desire to contribute to sea turtle conservation. “If I can do it, everyone can do it”, his motivational words helped me understand that Save Turtles Run could become a place to connect hearts that love nature.
Japanese athlete Kento finished first in the 21 km race.
Athletes on the track
Wheelchair athlete participates in 21 km distance
A foreign tourist participates in the race
The rhythmic sound of the waves and the fresh morning breeze gently touching my skin awakened every sense of my running path. There were times when I was tired, my legs became heavier and my steps slowed down, I stopped and took a deep breath, the fresh air filling my chest seemed to give me more strength to continue moving forward. The moment I crossed the finish line when the rain suddenly came, I realized that I had not only completed a run, but also fulfilled a promise to myself: running to keep Con Dao green, so that the sea turtles would have a place to return.
Athletes ran and admired the green scenery of Con Dao.
Stories from the life cycle of sea turtles
What impressed me the most was the competition shirt. On the shirt, the organizers printed an image of the sea turtle life cycle: from a small egg, hatching, growing up and then returning to the starting point. When I learned that the survival rate of sea turtles is less than 1/1,000, I was amazed by the harshness that turtles have to face.
Con Dao, located off the southern coast, is a rare place in Vietnam where sea turtles still return to lay their eggs naturally. Thanks to good conservation work, the number of turtle eggs in 2025 increased 1.5 times compared to the previous year. There are turtles that travel thousands of kilometers from the Philippine sea to reach the sandbanks of Con Dao, which shows the special biological attraction that not many places still retain.
The life cycle of a sea turtle is printed on the back of the athletes' shirts.
I listened to the representative of Con Dao National Park share: the conservation journey still faces many challenges, from plastic waste, illegal fishing to pressure from tourism development. That was when I realized that my steps today, though small, contributed to a great mission.
In particular, through the race, Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Cuong - representative of the organizing unit donated 100 million VND to Con Dao National Park, directly supporting the conservation of sea turtles. That number is not too large but contains a strong spiritual value: everyone can contribute to protecting nature in their own way.
Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Cuong - representative of the organizing unit donated 100 million VND to Con Dao National Park.
Ms. Luc Thi Mai Quynh, representative of Greenland Travel Con Dao, said that the unit has accompanied Save Turtles Run throughout the four seasons, right from the first days. “We want to spread the message of protecting sea turtles as well as preserving a green, clean and beautiful Con Dao. This is not only a responsibility to nature, but also a way to introduce to tourists a sustainable and valuable image of Con Dao,” she shared.
A journey to regain connection with nature and the environment
This year’s Save Turtles Run carries the message “Every step, thousands of green miles”. I clearly feel that on every route. Amidst the slow pace of life on the pearl island, I get to listen to stories about conservationists who work day and night on the beach, see the tiny turtle egg nests being protected, and most of all, immerse myself in the fresh nature.
This is not just a running race for the masses. It is a reminder: start with the simplest actions: put on your shoes, run a few kilometers, and think about the ocean. From there, each person can change their living habits: reduce plastic waste, support sustainable tourism, or simply care more about the nature around them.
When I reached the finish line, not only did my legs feel tired, but my heart felt renewed. I came to Con Dao to run, but I left with more: an understanding, a pride, and a belief that every small action can create change.
Finishers in the sudden rain
Commemorative medal of the race
Con Dao closes in my mind with the image of footprints on the sand and the brilliant sunrise. Like the fragile journey of the sea turtle, our lives also need to be cherished. And perhaps, from now on, every time I put on my running shoes, I will remember Con Dao, remember the steps I took for the deep blue ocean, to see that I am not only running for myself, but also for nature, for life.
