There are races that celebrate speed, and there are races that celebrate purpose. For the past five years, Save Turtles Run has belonged firmly to the latter, bringing together runners, travellers and local communities in Côn Đảo through a shared belief that every step can make a meaningful difference.
On 9 August 2026, Save Turtles Run returns under the theme "Final Chapter – Beyond The Finish Line." While the title may suggest an ending, it represents something far more profound. Rather than closing the story, this year's event honours the remarkable journey that began five years ago while laying the foundation for what comes next. It celebrates every runner who has taken part, every partnership that has been built and every effort that has helped raise awareness of one of Vietnam's most treasured natural habitats—the sea turtles of Côn Đảo.
Guided by the enduring message, "Every Step We Take, Miles of Green We Make," Save Turtles Run has evolved from an annual sporting event into a community platform where sport, responsible tourism and environmental conservation intersect. Organised by Akyn Hospitality Group together with The Secret Côn Đảo, the event continues to invite participants to discover the island in a different way—not simply as a destination of pristine beaches and historical significance, but as a living ecosystem that deserves to be protected.
With three race distances—21km, 10km and 5km—runners experience the peaceful rhythm of Côn Đảo while moving through breathtaking coastal landscapes. Along the way, they become part of a larger story that celebrates nature, local heritage and sustainable travel. Every kilometre serves as a reminder that meaningful tourism is not measured only by the places we visit, but also by the positive impact we leave behind.
Over the years, Save Turtles Run has helped transform the conversation around sea turtle conservation. Rather than relying on distant campaigns or abstract messages, it has brought the cause closer through genuine experiences shared by runners, families, volunteers and local residents. Every season has strengthened a community united by the belief that protecting nature begins with small, purposeful actions.
This philosophy is beautifully reflected in the identity of the fifth season. The "Final Chapter" is not the conclusion of Save Turtles Run; it is the completion of its first chapter and the beginning of a broader, more enduring mission. "Beyond The Finish Line" captures the idea that the race continues long after participants cross the finish line—in the memories they carry home, the stories they share about Côn Đảo, and the conscious choices they make as responsible travellers.
One of this year's most meaningful highlights is the 2026 finisher medal, created as a symbol of continuity, renewal and transformation. More than a keepsake commemorating each runner's achievement, the medal also marks a significant moment for Côn Đảo as it enters a new chapter as a Special Zone under Ho Chi Minh City. Featuring a sea turtle swimming through the island's blue waters, the design celebrates the very heart of Save Turtles Run: protecting the marine ecosystem that makes Côn Đảo so unique.
Complementing the medal are the running jerseys and race lanyards, thoughtfully designed to reflect the event's message of continuity across generations. The imagery of mother and baby sea turtles moving together through the ocean symbolises resilience, hope and the responsibility we all share in preserving nature for the future. These designs serve not only as race memorabilia but also as lasting reminders of the journey every participant has become part of.
The impact of Save Turtles Run would not be possible without the continued support of its partners. The organisers extend sincere appreciation to Cocoon Vietnam, FILMORE and VPBank, together with sponsors and partners including Nikon, Oriental Media, East West Brewing, ActiveFox, VASCO, Sen Decor, Greenland Travel, Vinamilk, Pocari Sweat, TH true WATER, VitaSea, Ascentic, TipTop, Bold Wolf, Salonpas, Vision and many others. Together, these organisations have helped expand the reach of the event while reinforcing the shared values of conservation, green living and responsible tourism.
As Save Turtles Run enters its fifth season, it reminds us that the greatest achievements cannot always be measured by time or distance. Sometimes, they are measured by the communities we build, the landscapes we protect and the legacy we choose to leave behind. Because the true journey doesn't end at the finish line—it begins beyond it.