Save Turtles Run Season 4: New Distances, Enduring Commitment

On August 17, 2025, Save Turtles Run returns to Con Dao for its fourth season on Con Dao Island - renewing its mission to unite community running with marine conservation in one of Vietnam’s most ecologically significant coastal regions.

Con Dao – A Unique Marine Habitat for Sea Turtles

Off the southern coast of Vietnam, Con Dao remains one of the rare places where green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) continue their ancient nesting ritual. Every breeding season, hundreds of turtles come ashore to lay eggs on the very beaches where they were born—drawn by calm seas, soft light, and minimal human disturbance.

Last year, several turtles from the Philippines traveled thousands of kilometers to nest here, a rare occurrence that underscores the island’s enduring ecological value. Yet this fragile balance is increasingly threatened by plastic waste, illegal fishing, and the unchecked spread of tourism.

A Steadfast Journey of a Sustainable Initiative

Initiated by AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Con Dao hotel, Save Turtles Run has grown into an annual event that blends outdoor sport with a broader message of environmental stewardship. At its heart lies the belief that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the protection of life beneath the waves.

The 2025 edition continues to champion the message: "Every Step We Take, Miles of Green We Make." That spirit is reflected in the race shirt, which features a stylized illustration of a sea turtle’s full life cycle - from egg to hatchling, through maturity, and back to the beginning. With fewer than 1 in 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, the image is a quiet call for care and urgency.

What’s New in 2025

For the first time, Save Turtles Run introduces a 21km distance alongside the existing 5km and 10km categories. This marks a notable shift in scale and format, appealing to runners seeking both challenge and connection to nature.

All categories will start at dawn, from the stillness of early morning to the first light rising over the East Sea - offering a race experience immersed in the natural rhythm of Con Dao.

A Remarkable Moment and Community Impact from the 2024 Season

In the 2024 edition, runners discovered and helped rescue a green turtle stranded onshore - a rare and symbolic moment that spoke to the event’s deeper impact. Since then, Save Turtles Run has become a rallying point for purpose-driven brands and communities. Supporters include Onways, Filmore, VPBank, Searefico, Access Race, Minh Long, Traveloka, Ocany, Greenland Travel, Sen Decor, and Aescentic, along with media partners and a growing community of nature advocates.

The Secret Con Dao & AKYN Hospitality Group

As the host of Save Turtles Run, The Secret Con Dao stands on the central beach of the island, blending contemporary architecture with heritage touches. The hotel offers a truly immersive stay – embracing nature, local culture, and a genuine commitment to sustainable tourism.

The Secret Con Dao is also the first property fully owned and operated by AKYN Hospitality Group. It reflects AKYN’s long-term vision to develop distinctive destinations shaped by sustainability and purpose. Each guest’s visit contributes to a larger movement of conscious travel and environmental respect.

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