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EN
Located in isolation off the southern coast, Con Dao has long been known as a land that combines both historical value and pristine nature. It is also one of the rare places in Vietnam where sea turtles still return to lay their eggs naturally every year, creating a 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 served as the media sponsor, contributing to spreading the meaning and value of the event to a wider audience. After four seasons, the "Save Turtles Run" has become a familiar meeting place for sports enthusiasts, domestic and international tourists, joining hands to spread the message for sea turtle conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism.
A view of a part of Con Dao Island from above.
Sunrise on the running track
At 5 a.m., while the sky was still a hazy, dark blue in the distance, I was already at the starting line. Normally, the early morning atmosphere in Con Dao is so quiet that you can only hear the gentle sound of the waves, but that day it was bustling with the footsteps of hundreds of athletes preparing. Over 560 participants, from international tourists and groups of young people to families and children, all shared one reason: to run for sea turtles.
The athletes started at 4 a.m., before dawn.
This year, the race added a 21km distance. The coastal road, shaded by lush trees and overlooking the sea and sky, allowed runners to appreciate the island's beauty. As the first rays of dawn appeared over the sea, we ran along tree-lined paths, past historical sites, and along the turquoise beach. Each step was not only a step towards the finish line but also a silent commitment to nature.
I met a Japanese athlete named Kento, who participated in last year's race and returned this year to conquer the new 21km distance. He told me that he "loves Con Dao not only for its beautiful scenery but also for the meaning of the race." I also saw Nguyen Quang Hung, a disabled athlete, trying his best to complete the 21km course in his wheelchair, hoping to contribute to sea turtle conservation. "I can do it, everyone can do it," his motivational words made me realize that the Save Turtles Run may have become a place connecting hearts that love nature.
Japanese athlete Kento finished first in the 21 km race.
The athletes on the track
Wheelchair athletes participate in the 21 km race.
A foreign tourist participating in the race.
The rhythmic sound of the waves and the fresh morning breeze gently touching my skin awakened my senses along the way. At times, feeling tired, my legs grew heavy and my pace slowed. I stopped and took deep breaths, the fresh air filling my lungs, giving me the strength to continue moving forward. The moment I crossed the finish line as a sudden downpour hit, I realized I had not only completed a race, but also fulfilled a promise to myself: to run to preserve the greenery of Con Dao, so that the sea turtles would have a place to return to.
The athletes enjoyed the lush green scenery of Con Dao Island while running.
The story from the life cycle of sea turtles.
What impressed me most was the competition jersey. On the jersey, the organizers printed an image of the sea turtle's life cycle: from a tiny egg, hatching, growing into adulthood, and returning to its starting point. Knowing that the survival rate of sea turtles is less than 1 in 1,000, I was astonished by the harsh conditions these turtles face.
Located in isolation off the southern coast, Con Dao Island is one of the rare places in Vietnam where sea turtles still return to lay their eggs naturally. Thanks to effective conservation efforts, the number of turtle eggs is expected to increase 1.5 times by 2025 compared to the previous year. Some turtles even travel thousands of kilometers from the Philippine Sea to reach the beaches of Con Dao, demonstrating its unique biological appeal that few other places still possess.
The life cycle of sea turtles is printed on the backs of the athletes' shirts.
I listened to the representative from Con Dao National Park share their insights: the conservation journey still faces many challenges, from plastic waste and illegal fishing to the pressure of tourism development. That's when I realized that my steps today, though small, contribute to a greater mission.
Notably, through the race, Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Cuong - representative of the organizing unit - donated 100 million VND to Con Dao National Park, directly supporting sea turtle conservation efforts. While the amount may not be large, it carries a powerful symbolic value: everyone can contribute to protecting nature in their own way.
Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Cuong, representing the organizing unit, presented a donation of 100 million VND to Con Dao National Park.
Ms. Luc Thi Mai Quynh, representative of Greenland Travel Con Dao, said that the company has been a partner with Save Turtles Run throughout all four seasons, right from the beginning. “We want to spread the message of protecting sea turtles and preserving a green, clean, and beautiful Con Dao. This is not only a responsibility to nature, but also a way to introduce to tourists an image of a sustainable and valuable Con Dao,” she shared.
A journey to rediscover connection with nature and the environment.
This year's Save Turtles Run carries the message "Every step, a thousand miles of green." I felt that clearly on every stretch of the route. Amidst the slow pace of life on the pearl island, I listened to stories about conservationists who work day and night on the beaches, saw tiny turtle nests being protected, and most importantly, immersed myself in pristine nature.
This isn't just a recreational run. It's more of 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 lifestyle: reduce plastic waste, support sustainable tourism, or simply care more about the nature around them.
When I crossed the finish line, I not only felt my legs were exhausted, but my heart was also filled with renewed energy. I came to Con Dao to run, but I left with much more than that: an understanding, a sense of pride, and a belief that every small action can make a difference.
Those who crossed the finish line in the sudden rain.
Commemorative medal of the race
Con Dao Island concludes in my memory with images of footprints on the sand and the glorious sunrise. Like the fragile journey of a 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 those steps running for a deep blue ocean, to realize that I am not only running for myself, but also for nature, for life.
