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Amidst the majestic scenery of the sea and mountains, a feeling of excitement and anticipation permeated every step I took and those of the other athletes, as if we were connecting more deeply with nature, with every sea breeze and every wave.
Con Dao Island has long been famous for its pristine beauty, long stretches of fine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. But that's not all; it's also a safe haven for thousands of sea turtles, creatures that have existed for millions of years but are now facing extinction. Since 1987, Con Dao National Park has continuously strived to protect this species, significantly increasing the number of turtles nesting on the island.
Over the years, Con Dao National Park has continuously strived to protect sea turtles.
The race is held annually by AKYN Hotel Group and The Secret Con Dao Hotel, and this third edition marks the hotel's 4th anniversary. With the "Run for Sea Turtles 2024" event, I, along with 202 other athletes, participated in a run not only to challenge ourselves but also to contribute to sea turtle conservation. The organizers chose sunset for the race, a time when Con Dao is at its most vibrant, a gift from nature to those who love this island.
Mr. Nguyen Khac Pho, Director of the Con Dao National Park Management Board, shared: “The Con Dao Sea Turtle Run, initiated by the AKYN Group, will contribute to making the image of Con Dao's nature, people, and land even more beautiful, healthier, and more meaningful, living in harmony with nature. The run is a source of encouragement for Con Dao National Park to continue striving to do better in sea turtle conservation, contributing to the conservation of nature and the development of high-end tourism in Con Dao in the future.”
Participants excitedly checked in before the race.
The radiant faces began to set off.
Our race started from Lo Voi beach, where a cool breeze from the open sea blew in, carrying the salty scent of the ocean. The organizers designed the route with three distances: 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km, suitable for all participants, from beginners to seasoned athletes. I chose the 5 km distance, just enough to challenge myself and fully appreciate the natural beauty of Con Dao. Each step I took seemed to blend into the peaceful rhythm of the island's life, allowing me to deeply feel the beauty that nature has bestowed upon this place.
The running routes are breathtakingly beautiful.
A memorable moment during the race was when a male turtle weighing approximately 65 kg became stranded at Lo Voi beach. A group of athletes quickly coordinated with forest rangers to rescue the turtle and return it safely to the sea. This incident not only added meaning to the race but also reminded everyone of the importance of environmental protection.
At the end of the race, the organizers contributed and donated 100 million VND to Con Dao National Park for sea turtle conservation efforts. In addition, to promote sustainable tourism development in Con Dao in collaboration with the local government, AKYN Group and The Secret Con Dao Hotel donated an additional 20 million VND to the People's Committee of Con Dao District, supporting initiatives such as promoting responsible tourism to modern travelers.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Thu, Chairwoman of AKYN Hotel Group, shared: "We are truly delighted to see the Run for Sea Turtles program receiving such enthusiastic participation. The anticipation of everyone is a great source of motivation that drives us to constantly learn and strive to bring the best possible results to the program, going beyond simply being a grassroots running event."
But no matter how it develops, the criteria for building the race from its very beginning will be maintained and continued: the desire to contribute to promoting tourism in Con Dao in a sustainable direction, raising awareness among local people and tourists in the effort to protect the environment in general, and especially the marine environment of turtles in particular. Through this event, we hope to contribute to building a green, clean, and beautiful Con Dao, where people and nature develop sustainably together.”
Support from the business community
The 2024 Run for Sea Turtles received support from many major sponsors such as Filmore Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company, Vietnam Prosperity Commercial Bank, SEAREFICO Joint Stock Company, and Mai Quynh Tourism and Trade Services Company Limited. In addition, the race attracted the attention, cooperation, and support of many media outlets. The contributions of these businesses not only ensured the success of the race but also demonstrated the commitment of the business community to sustainable development and environmental protection.
The reluctant protagonist in the race.
Athletes - Green Ambassadors in Every Step
The 2024 Run for Sea Turtles successfully connected a passion for sports with a responsibility to protect the environment. Each participating athlete was not just a runner, but also an ambassador for sea turtle conservation and the marine environment in Con Dao. Through participating in the race, they contributed to raising community awareness about the conservation of the rare Green Sea Turtle, balancing the ecosystem, and spreading the spirit of responsible tourism.
With the success of its third season, "Run for Sea Turtles" has affirmed its position as a unique sports, tourism, and conservation event, promising to continue developing and spreading the message of environmental protection in the coming years, while creating lasting impacts on the community and environment of Con Dao.
The appearance of this sea turtle made the race even more exciting.
For me, Con Dao is not just a tourist destination, but also a place where I can feel and appreciate the value of nature. Amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains and forests, and the gentle sound of the waves, I feel small yet meaningful in having contributed to the journey of protecting sea turtles – a symbol of life in the vast ocean.
