More than 560 people participated in the race with the message of sea turtle conservation in Con Dao special zone - Photo: HAI KIM
On the morning of August 17, more than 560 participants of the "Save Turtles Run" explored breathtakingly beautiful routes, passing historical sites, on tree-lined roads, and along the blue beaches symbolizing the natural beauty of Con Dao.
This is a race that combines community sports and responsible tourism to contribute to the conservation of sea turtle ecosystems in Con Dao.
Continuing the journey of connecting community sports with ecological conservation in one of the most pristine sea areas in Vietnam, the race therefore attracts a large number of tourists and international visitors.
In its fourth edition, the race has expanded to include a 21km semi-professional distance, in addition to the two familiar distances of 5km and 10km. Athletes start at dawn, from when it is still dark until the first rays of the sun shine on the sea, and experience the pristine landscape of Con Dao.
Kento, a runner from Japan, said this was his second time participating in the race because he loves Con Dao as well as the meaningful message of protecting the environment and sea turtles. Last year, Kento won first place in the 10km race and this year he continued to be the first person to finish the 21km race.
Kento from Japan has participated in the sea turtle run in Con Dao twice.
Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Cuong - representative of the organizing unit - said that through the race, the organizing committee hopes to raise public awareness of the value and importance of the Con Dao sea turtle conservation program. The race donated 100 million VND to Con Dao National Park to serve the sea turtle conservation work.
Located off the southern coast, Con Dao is one of the few places in Vietnam where sea turtles still return to lay their eggs naturally each year. During the breeding season, hundreds of green turtles return to familiar sandy beaches to begin a new life cycle, thanks to rare natural conditions: calm seas, soft light and an environment with almost no noise pollution.
According to a representative of Con Dao National Park, in 2025, thanks to good conservation work and favorable weather, the number of eggs from individual turtles returning to the island increased 1.5 times compared to last year.
To reinforce the message, the 2025 season will feature a sea turtle life cycle on the jersey, from egg to hatching, adulthood and returning to the starting point.
With a survival rate of less than 1 in 1,000, the life journey of sea turtles clearly reflects the fragility of nature and the urgent need for human protection.
Notably, in the past year, sea turtles from the Philippine sea have traveled thousands of kilometers to choose Con Dao as their nesting ground. This is a rare phenomenon, reflecting the pristine biological attraction that few places still retain.
However, representatives of Con Dao National Park also said that the conservation journey still faces many challenges, from plastic waste, illegal fishing to pressure from tourism development that gradually narrows natural spawning grounds.
The race attracts many tourists from all over the world.
An athlete finishes the 21km race.
Representatives of Con Dao National Park received support money contributed by athletes participating in the race.
Recently, the 1st Congress of the Con Dao Special Zone Party Committee clearly set the goal by 2030 to build Con Dao into a regional and international-class tourist area, with sustainable development associated with the conservation of nature, culture and history; strong national defense and security; and improved quality of life and people's happiness.
Con Dao focuses on three breakthroughs: Completing wastewater and waste treatment infrastructure and developing green transport; developing high-quality eco-tourism; promoting administrative reform associated with digital transformation, building a smart island.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/560-nguoi-tham-gia-giai-chay-vi-rua-bien-du-lich-xanh-con-dao-20250817134705508.htm
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