SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Seven hundred and seventy-two started the race, but only one emerged victorious: Turtle 0298.

Turtle Derby on the Delta, the second-annual fundraiser for Covenant Hospice in Mobile, attracted more than 70 spectators Sunday afternoon as a swarm of plastic turtles battled down Sardine Pass alongside Five Rivers Delta Resource Center for the elusive checkered finish line.

The turtles, adopted online or in person for $5 each, were wrangled and, in some instances, helped along by members of the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association, as the current attempted to sweep some contenders off course.

Jeannette Ferguson of Chickasaw, Turtle 0298’s adoptive parent, won a weekend getaway package for two to Isle Casino in Biloxi.

James Pendley’s Turtle 0418 took second place, while Pendley was awarded a University of Alabama football autographed by Nick Saban. Word around the awards ceremony was that the Mobile youth prayed the day before for a second-place finish, and the prayer was answered.

Meanwhile, Joan Becker of Mobile’s Turtle 0261 took third place, and Becker will enjoy a one-night stay for two at the Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel and Spa.

Jackie Crews, development manager for Pensacola, Fla.-based Covenant’s Mobile office, said although sponsorships were down considerably for the event’s second run down the river, the fundraiser still netted roughly $3,500 to help offset the cost of hospice care for uninsured patients in the Mobile area.

“Our staff loves this event, and we knew when we created it that we wanted something unique, affordable and family oriented,” said Crews, noting galas and silent auctions don’t always feel accessible to people wishing they had more to give.

“This is a wonderful event, and we just feel like if we can ever get through this economic downturn, things will turn back around on the sponsorship side,” she said.

In fact, turtle adoptions actually increased more than 5 percent, compared with 2008 figures of 734.

“Fundraising is probably more competitive than it has ever been, but this is our signature event, and we are very fortunate to have such a beautiful venue to provide a day of family fun,” Crews said.

Indeed, Chelsea Agnew, 11, of Mobile adopted two turtles to try to boost her odds, but she said she was having a good time regardless with the kids activities dotting the grounds. From a moon bounce and inflatable slide to face painting and art projects, the event definitely struck a chord with its younger audience.

Michael Hollis of Spanish Fort said he and his daughter, Mirabell, wandered up accidentally on the race after walking the grounds after lunch, but the duo plan to take part next year by adopting at least five turtles.