On August 17, 2025, Save Turtles Run will return to the pristine shores of Con Dao for its fourth season—continuing its mission to blend community sport with a deeper call for marine conservation. Organised by AKYN Hospitality Group and hosted by The Secret Con Dao hotel, the event has grown into a meaningful annual celebration where every step taken is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Con Dao – A Unique Marine Habitat for Sea Turtles
Con Dao, a remote island off Vietnam’s southern coast, is one of the last remaining strongholds for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Every year, hundreds of these ancient mariners return to their birthplace to nest. In a rare sighting last year, several turtles from the Philippines journeyed thousands of kilometers to lay eggs on Con Dao’s shores—highlighting the island’s critical ecological role. Yet this delicate balance is under constant threat from plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and unsustainable tourism practices.
A Steadfast Journey of a Sustainable Initiative
Since its inception, Save Turtles Run has carried a simple but powerful message: "Every Step We Take, Miles of Green We Make." That spirit is reflected in the race shirt, which features a striking design illustrating the full life cycle of a sea turtle. With fewer than one in a thousand hatchlings surviving to maturity, the image serves as a reminder of the fragility of marine life and our shared responsibility to protect it.
The 2025 race continues to champion the message, introducing a 21km distance alongside the existing 5km and 10km categories, inviting more runners—from amateur joggers to seasoned athletes—to participate. All races begin at sunrise, offering participants a rare chance to experience the island’s beauty in its quietest, most magical hour.
A Remarkable Moment and Community Impact from the 2024 Season
The 2024 edition left a lasting mark when runners discovered and helped rescue a stranded green turtle—a symbolic moment that spoke to the event’s deeper impact. This growing movement now has the support of purpose-driven brands such as Onways, VPBank, Minh Long, Traveloka, and others, alongside media partners and a growing community of nature advocates.
The Secret Con Dao & AKYN Hospitality Group
The Secret Con Dao, nestled on the island’s central beach, offers an immersive retreat steeped in nature, heritage, and sustainable values. As the first fully owned and operated property of AKYN Hospitality, it reflects the group’s vision of conscious travel—where every guest becomes part of a greater story of preservation and impact.
