Japanese athlete Kento claimed victory in the 21km half-marathon at the “Save Turtles Run 2025,” held at the Con Dao Special Administrative Region.

The 2025 edition marked a milestone for the race, with the addition of a 21km semi-professional distance alongside the traditional 5km and 10km events. Over 500 runners began the race at sunrise, taking in the pristine natural beauty of Con Dao as the first rays of light shimmered across the ocean.

Kento, who won the 10km category last year, was the first to cross the finish line in the 21km half-marathon, cementing his status as a consistent top performer.

According to representatives from the Con Dao National Park, 2025 saw a significant 1.5-fold increase in sea turtle egg numbers compared to the previous year, thanks to effective conservation efforts and favorable weather.

The race contributed 100 million VND (approximately 3,930 USD) to support sea turtle conservation in the national park. More than just a sporting event, the marathon serves as a meaningful action toward sustainable tourism in one of Vietnam’s most untouched marine environments.

Huy Minh