As the first rays of sunlight broke over the turquoise sea, more than 500 runners from across Vietnam and beyond set off in the “Save Turtles Run 2025.” Now in its fourth season, the race once again affirmed its spirit of resilience, community, and commitment to spreading love for nature while raising awareness for the conservation of sea turtles – ancient guardians of Côn Đảo’s oceans.
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Côn Đảo – The Hidden Gem of Vitality
Located off the southern coast of Vietnam, Côn Đảo is often described as a hidden gem – a place where history, unspoiled beauty, and rich ecosystems converge. It is also among the very few sites in the country where sea turtles still return to nest each year. With its vision for sustainable tourism, Côn Đảo is steadily carving out its place on the international travel map as a responsible destination.
From this foundation, the “Save Turtles Run” was born in 2022 — a bridge between sport and conservation. What began as a community initiative by The Secret Côn Đảo hotel has grown into a celebrated annual event, drawing hundreds of runners and partners, expanding in scale, and raising the bar in professionalism with every season.
Highlights of a Defining Season
The 2025 edition marked a new milestone with the introduction of the half marathon (21km), giving runners the chance to embrace Côn Đảo’s beauty in its entirety – from historical relics along the course to the island’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
In the week leading up to the event, the island had been drenched in heavy rain and strong winds. Yet on the morning of August 17, the skies cleared, and a brilliant sunrise emerged – as if nature itself was blessing the 500 runners who gathered at dawn with a shared purpose: to run for the sea turtles.
Along the route, stories of courage and resilience unfolded. Japanese runner Kento Kabashima, after winning the 10km last year, stepped up to the 21km this year and claimed the title with a time of 01:19:29. Para-athlete Nguyễn Quang Hùng showed unwavering determination as he propelled his wheelchair across the full 21km in 02:27:11. And cosplayer Trường Ngô battled through a knee injury to cross the finish line just minutes before the cut-off.
But the race was more than individual triumphs. It’s about shared moments. Families moved together, fathers matched their stride with their children, and laughter echoed as little ones played with the turtle mascot.Then just as the last runners approached the finish line, a sudden downpour swept the course, washed away fatigue, and leaving behind scenes of pure elation, from couples crossing hand in hand to soldier Tiêu Văn Phúc standing tall with the red flag emblazoned with a golden star.
Running for a Greener Future
At the closing ceremony, the Organizing Committee presented a donation of 100 million VND to the Côn Đảo National Park to support sea turtle conservation and ecosystem protection.
Ms. Lê Thị Ngọc Cương – Group Director of Sales & Marketing at AKYN Hospitality, and Head of the Organizing Committee – shared: “Save Turtles Run is more than just a race. It is a gathering for the community, built on one of our core values: creating sustainable impact wherever AKYN is present. We believe the beauty of Vietnam – and Côn Đảo in particular – deserves to be shared with the world. This race is an opportunity for those who love sports and nature to come together, take action, and contribute to preserving precious species while building a greener, more sustainable Côn Đảo.”
Though it lasted only a few hours, Save Turtles Run 2025 left runners with lasting inspiration. This journey will continue – steadfast in its values while striving to spread its message to the wider community. Because each step is more than crossing a finish line; it is an act from the heart, a way to connect with nature, with the sea turtles, and with a Côn Đảo that remains green and timeless.