On August 17, 2024, the picturesque landscapes of Côn Đảo, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu province, buzzed with excitement as over 200 runners participated in the 3rd season of Save Turtles Run 2024. This year’s event, themed "Every Step We Take, Miles of Green We Make," served as both an exhilarating sports competition and a valuable campaign to promote awareness about sea turtle conservation.
Organized by AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Côn Đảo Hotel, this year's run also celebrated the hotel’s fourth anniversary. The event attracted enthusiastic participants from various regions, providing a platform to foster emotional connections and highlight the importance of environmental responsibility.
A Unique Running Experience
Save Turtles Run 2024 offered runners a completely new experience, set against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. Participants could choose from three race distances: 3km, 5km, and 10km. The courses meandered through stunning coastal roads, historic landmarks, and the natural beauty of Côn Đảo’s mountains and forests. This integration of healthy sports and eco-tourism created a novel environment for physical training, allowing runners to absorb the clean, refreshing energy of the island.
Many participants expressed their delight in the run, particularly appreciating the attractive race shirts and medals. The chance to admire the stunning sunset along the racecourse added to the overall enjoyment, making it a memorable experience.
Impact on Sea Turtle Conservation
Every step taken by the runners translated into a commitment to environmental protection and the conservation of rare marine species, especially sea turtles. While the number of participants has not yet surged dramatically, the Organizing Committee pledged to donate 100 million VND to Côn Đảo National Park for ongoing sea turtle conservation initiatives.
Additionally, to promote sustainable tourism in collaboration with local authorities, AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Côn Đảo Hotel committed an extra 20 million VND to the Côn Đảo District People's Committee. This funding aims to support efforts in promoting responsible tourism among modern travelers.
Celebrating Achievements and Inspiration
This year’s race showcased remarkable performances. Nguyễn Đức Hòa and Bùi Văn Quý Em seized the spotlight with impressive finishes of 12 and 18 minutes in the 3km and 5km races, respectively. International competitors such as Kento Kabashima from Japan and Tijntje Louwers from the Netherlands also made their presence known, claiming first and second place in the long-distance categories. Notably, young runners Võ Nguyễn Minh Thư and Nguyễn Hà Linh Đan inspired others with their success in the 3km race, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and environmental stewardship.
Mr. Nguyễn Khắc Pho, Director of Côn Đảo National Park, emphasized the race’s mission: “The Save Turtles Run aims to help everyone appreciate the beauty of Côn Đảo and the significance of protecting the marine environment. We hope this race encourages more people to care for nature while improving their health.”
During the race, a unique event unfolded as runners discovered a stranded male green sea turtle weighing approximately 65 kg at Lò Vôi beach. They promptly alerted the Côn Đảo National Park Management Board, and with the help of forest rangers, the turtle was safely rescued and released back to the sea. This incident not only created a memorable moment during the race but also showcased the participants' commitment to wildlife conservation.
Save Turtles Run 2024 benefited from the support of several major sponsors, including Filmore Real Estate Development, Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank, SEAREFICO, and Mai Quỳnh Tourism and Trade Services. Media interest also played a crucial role in publicizing the event, highlighting the commitment of the business community to sustainable development and environmental care.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Minh Thư, Chairwoman of AKYN Hospitality Group shared: “We are truly delighted to see the Save Turtles Run program receiving such enthusiastic response from many participants. The anticipation of everyone is a great motivation that drives us to constantly learn and strive to bring the best possible things to the program, not just stopping at a simple mass running event. But no matter how it develops, the criteria for building the race right from the initial steps are still maintained and continued; that is the desire to contribute to promoting Côn Đảo tourism towards sustainable development, raising awareness of local people and tourists in the cause of environmental protection in general, especially the marine environment of turtle species in particular”.
Through Save Turtles Run 2024, each participant became more than just a runner; they emerged as ambassadors for sea turtle conservation and supporters of the marine environment in Côn Đảo. Their involvement helped raise community awareness about the critical need to conserve green sea turtles (Vích) and maintain ecological balance, while promoting the spirit of responsible tourism.