Save Turtles Run 2026
Five Years Of Footsteps For Nature

Set against the striking sunrise of Con Dao, the fifth annual Save Turtles Run united more than 750 passionate athletes. Hosted by AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Con Dao Hotel, this milestone event seamlessly combined thrilling competitive sports with an enduring commitment to marine conservation and responsible island ecotourism.

A Morning of Purpose and Endurance

On the morning of August 9, 2026, the pristine shores of Con Dao awakened to the rhythmic footfalls of over 750 runners. The highly anticipated Save Turtles Run 2026, meticulously organized by AKYN Hospitality Group and operated by The Secret Con Dao Hotel, invited participants to conquer distances of 5km, 10km, and 21km.

However, this was no ordinary marathon. Winding through a thoughtfully curated route that seamlessly connected breathtaking coastal roads, vibrant residential areas, and endurance-testing challenging sections, every stride taken was a powerful testament to the community’s deep-seated respect for nature and their unwavering support for sea turtle conservation.

The Final Chapter: Beyond the Finish Line

This year’s race served as a profound five-year milestone for the Save Turtles Run. Operating under the theme "Final Chapter – Beyond The Finish Line," the 2026 edition did not signify an end, but rather a transitional moment to reflect on past achievements and propel the spirit of environmental stewardship into the future.

What began in 2022 as a localized effort has blossomed into a formidable movement. Season by season, this initiative has cultivated tangible change, highlighted by unforgettable milestones such as the successful rescue of a 65kg green sea turtle in 2024, and the introduction of the demanding 21KM distance in 2025. Over its five-year tenure, the initiative has successfully united athletes, global travelers, and local authorities, ultimately contributing a remarkable total of VND 529,000,000 to Con Dao's sea turtle conservation activities. In 2026 alone, the program contributed VND 100,000,000 to sea turtle conservation activities.

"Save Turtles Run 2026 is a very special milestone for us," shared Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Cuong, Head of the Race Organizing Committee. "After five seasons, what we value most is not only the number of runners or the achievements on the course, but the fact that more and more people have come to know Con Dao, love its natural beauty, and care more deeply about sea turtle conservation. To us, ‘Final Chapter – Beyond The Finish Line’ is not a full stop, but a moment to look back on the values we have created together and continue spreading the spirit of positive living, responsible tourism, and community connection in new ways."

Celebrating Athletic Excellence

While the core mission remains conservation, the competitive spirit of the athletes was nothing short of inspiring. Pushing their physical limits against the backdrop of island life, the champions of the 2026 race showcased remarkable endurance:

• 21KM Distance: Nguyen Tien Danh claimed the Men’s title (01:28:41), while Le Thi Kim Chi dominated the Women’s category (01:39:23).
• 10KM Distance: Le Van Chi Công secured first place for the Men (00:36:39), alongside Nguyen Thi Hiep for the Women (00:42:42).
• 5KM Distance: Nguyen The Viet Nhan (00:20:24) and Khong Tran Gia Han (00:25:40) took the top podium spots in their respective categories.
  

Beyond the impressive finish times, the true victory was witnessed in the camaraderie among runners, encouraging one another and crossing the finish line united by a shared environmental ethos.

A Lasting Green Imprint

The success of the Save Turtles Run underscores a vital shift in modern hospitality and travel: the rise of responsible tourism. Mr. Nguyen Khac Pho, Director of Con Dao National Park, emphasized this synergy: "When travelers and runners understand more about the ecosystem here, they become part of the conservation journey. Each experience goes beyond exploration and contributes to creating positive impacts for the destination."

As a core property of AKYN Hospitality Group, The Secret Con Dao Hotel stands proudly at the intersection of luxury hospitality and community enrichment. After five memorable seasons, the Save Turtles Run has left an indelible green imprint on the island. It proves that a profound love for nature, when paired with collective action, can create waves of positive change that extend far beyond the finish line.