Conservation International and National Geographic have teamed up with field research partner Canadian Sea Turtle Network to bring you the 2009 Great Turtle Race. This is the third event in a series that brings public attention to the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle and generates important research and conservation support. The turtles were being “coached” by U.S. Olympic swimmers such as Eric Shanteau who’s turtle, Backspacer, won this year’s race. The rest of the turtles continue to swim toward the finish and there are plenty of challenges still to be won.