Villa, Espino top Annual Turtle Run

MANILA, Philippines — The Annual Turtle Run, held Saturday at Peninsula de Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas, drew more than 400 participants, reflecting strong and sustained community support for marine conservation.

Now in its 12th year, the event brought together residents, club members, guests, sea scouts, scholars, and young runners, highlighting its role in promoting health, community engagement, and ocean protection.

In the 5K Open Division, John Raven Villa led the men’s race (18:33), followed by Nico Espino (23:00) and Marty Espino (23:06). Claudia Espino topped the women’s side (23:04), followed by Tricia Lorenzo (24:35) and Ma. Kristina Faith Uguis (26:32).

Francisco Martinez won the men’s 3K (14:34), while Dolores Villafranca topped the women’s division (22:58).

The Chua family, led by Punta Fuego Foundation CEO Dr. Noel Chua, received the Largest Family Participation Award, with 21 members joining various race categories.

The event raised a gross of approximately P740,000, which will go directly to the turtle conservation efforts, including coral reef protection, mangrove development, and sea scouts training.