On the morning of 09 August 2026, against the sunrise rhythm of Côn Đảo, Chạy Bộ Vì Rùa Biển – Save Turtles Run 2026, organized by AKYN Hospitality Group and operated by The Secret Côn Đảo Hotel, took place with the participation of more than 700 runners, competing across three distances: 5km, 10km, and 21km.
Along the coastal routes, surrounded by the pristine beauty of mountains, forests, and the ocean, every step was not only an effort to conquer a distance, but also a way for the running community to express its love for nature and its care for the journey of sea turtle conservation in Côn Đảo.
This year’s race marks the five-year milestone of Save Turtles Run – a journey that AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Côn Đảo Hotel have consistently nurtured with the aim of connecting sports, responsible tourism, and nature conservation. With the theme “Final Chapter – Beyond The Finish Line,” Save Turtles Run 2026 does not place a full stop on the values that have been built, but marks a transitional milestone for the spirit of running for nature to be carried forward in new ways.
Côn Đảo – Where Every Step Inspires a Love for Nature
More than just the venue of the race, Côn Đảo has always been an essential part of the identity of Save Turtles Run. Its coastal roads, peaceful island rhythm, primary forests, sandy beaches, and the sea turtle nesting season have shaped a distinctive experience for the running community.
In 2026, the Save Turtles Run route continued to take runners through some of Côn Đảo’s most representative landscapes, connecting coastal roads, residential areas, and endurance-challenging sections. Beyond pushing their personal limits, runners had the chance to feel more deeply the harmony between mountains, sea, and the rhythm of island life – a place where nature is not only to be admired, but also to be respected and protected.
Runners took photos with the champions, representatives of the Organizing Committee, and sponsors, partners of Save Turtles Run 2026. Source: Save Turtles Run 2026
After a morning of determined competition, the champions of this year’s race were announced.
- In the 21KM distance, Nguyễn Tiến Danh finished first in the Men’s category with a time of 01:28:41, while Lê Thị Kim Chi led the Women’s category with a time of 01:39:23.
- In the 10KM distance, first place went to Lê Văn Chí Công in the Men’s category with a time of 00:36:39, and Nguyễn Thị Hiệp in the Women’s category with 00:42:42.
- In the 5KM distance, Nguyễn Thế Việt Nhân and Khổng Trần Gia Hân won first place in the Men’s and Women’s categories respectively, with times of 00:20:24 and 00:25:40.
Beyond athletic achievements, images of runners encouraging one another along the route, crossing the finish line together, and capturing memorable moments against the sea and sky of Côn Đảo continued to reflect the sense of connection that has become a signature spirit of Save Turtles Run.
Runners encouraged and supported one another throughout each race distance. Source: Save Turtles Run 2026
From an Idea to Sustained Action
In 2022, Save Turtles Run began in Côn Đảo with its first season, bringing together 153 runners and contributing VND 107,900,000 to sea turtle conservation activities. From the earliest seasons, AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Côn Đảo pursued the direction of turning a destination-based sporting activity into a bridge between the running community, travelers, partners, and local sea turtle conservation efforts.
At that time, the aspiration to connect sports with nature conservation may still have been a new idea. But an idea, if not transformed into action, will forever remain only a beautiful dream.
Season by season, those first steps gradually created tangible value.
In 2023, the program expanded its format by combining in-person and virtual participation, creating opportunities for more people to join and helping the conservation message reach beyond the scope of a local race.
In 2024, the journey recorded another memorable milestone with the successful rescue of a 65kg green turtle, alongside distinctive experiences on the coastal race route that became meaningful memories for many runners.
By 2025, Save Turtles Run continued to grow with the introduction of the 21KM distance into the race system, attracting more than 560 runners and contributing VND 100,000,000 to sea turtle conservation activities.
From those first steps, the program gradually became a sustained journey – one where sports not only create positive energy, but also inspire genuine care for nature, Côn Đảo, and the island’s marine ecosystem.
In 2026, the fifth season became a meaningful moment to look back on what has been built together, while opening a new approach for the spirit of “Every Step, A Greener Mile” in the future.
The athletes’ passionate sporting spirit shone through across every race distance. Source: Save Turtles Run 2026
A Five-Year Milestone and Values Beyond the Finish Line
In 2026 alone, Save Turtles Run continued to contribute VND 100,000,000 to sea turtle conservation activities in Côn Đảo, bringing the total contribution from 2022 to 2026 to VND 529,000,000.
From a race in Côn Đảo, the program has gradually become a bridge connecting the running community, travelers, authorities, Côn Đảo National Park, partners, sponsors, media organizations, and the local community. This collective support has helped bring the story of nature, sea turtles, and responsible tourism closer to the public in a more accessible way.
Ms. Lê Thị Ngọc Cương, Head of the Race Organizing Committee, shared:
“Save Turtles Run 2026 is a very special milestone for us. After five seasons, what we value most is not only the number of runners or the achievements on the course, but the fact that more and more people have come to know Côn Đảo, love its natural beauty, and care more deeply about the journey of sea turtle conservation. To us, ‘Final Chapter – Beyond The Finish Line’ is not a full stop, but a moment to look back on the values we have created together, and from there continue spreading the spirit of positive living, responsible tourism, and community connection in new ways.”
According to Mr. Nguyễn Khắc Pho, Director of Côn Đảo National Park:
“The value of the program lies not only in its contributions to conservation activities, but also in its ability to connect the community with efforts to protect nature in Côn Đảo. When travelers and runners understand more about the ecosystem here, they also become part of the conservation journey. That is the spirit of responsible tourism – where each experience goes beyond exploration and contributes to creating positive impacts for the destination.”
Ms. Lê Thị Ngọc Cương, Head of the Save Turtles Run 2026 Organizing Committee, presented a donation of VND 100,000,000 to Côn Đảo National Park on behalf of the program. Source: Save Turtles Run 2026
Five Seasons, One Green Imprint in Côn Đảo
From Côn Đảo, the spirit of “Every Step, A Greener Mile” can continue to be extended through many different choices: the way each person explores a destination, the way communities care for nature, and the way businesses, partners, and individuals create new initiatives that benefit the environment and local communities.
The Organizing Committee, consisting of AKYN Hospitality Group and The Secret Côn Đảo, sincerely thanks the authorities, Côn Đảo National Park, accompanying partners including FILMORE, VPBank, Cocoon Vietnam, Active Fox, East West Brewing, Sen Décor, VASCO, Greenland Travel, Aescentic, Vision Frame, Pocari Sweat, TH TRUE Water, Salonpas, ONWAY, Vinamilk High Protein, Nikon, Bảo Minh Insurance, Himalaya Salt Candy…, as well as media partners, support forces, volunteers, and the running community for coming together to create Save Turtles Run 2026.
After five seasons, Save Turtles Run is remembered not only as a sporting event in Côn Đảo, but also as a green milestone shaped by a love for nature, community spirit, and growing care for sea turtles. From the coastal routes, the race has helped bring the story of conservation closer to the public in a simple yet enduring way: through every step, every responsible choice, and every connection formed on the island.
