Friend of the blog LO alerted me to The Great Turtle Race, wherein a passel of leatherback sea turtles "race" from Playa Grande in Costa Rica to the Galapagos Islands. The linked website it tracking the turtles via satellite, so you can watch their progress and root for your favorite. (I'm pulling for Stephanie Colburtle, "an intensely patriotic turtle who can fly through the water like an eagle".) There is also information there about leatherback sea turtle populations and ways you can help protect them.
I'll admit to a bit of a mixed reaction. My first reaction was "Neat!. And if it can help raise awareness of Things Turtley, I'm all in favour of it.
My second reaction was bemusement at yet another example of the seemingly inexhaustible desire to turn any physical activity into a competitive sport. I'm not sure that this is an altogether positive trait.
Scott - I think you're wrong. No competitiveness = still living in caves. And liking it. Go Stephanie!