Trail running course near Tenerife, Canary Islands, ES
Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB

Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB 110K

110K·Tenerife, Spain
ultra100kmountainhigh altitudetechnicaltrailcoastal

AI-generated image

Distance110K
DateMar 2026
Difficulty5/5

About This Race

The Tenerife Bluetrail 110K traces a journey from the Atlantic coast to the summit of Mount Teide at 3,555 meters, making it one of Europe's most vertically ambitious single-stage ultras. Runners begin at sea level and climb through five distinct climate zones—from subtropical coastal vegetation through pine forests and alpine scrubland to the barren volcanic moonscape surrounding Spain's highest peak. The return journey demands technical descending skills across loose volcanic scree and technical trails that can be unforgiving on fatigued legs. This distance requires proven ultra experience and specific preparation for high-altitude running. The physiological demands of sustained effort above 3,000 meters, combined with the cumulative impact of technical volcanic terrain, separate this from lower-altitude ultras of similar distance. Runners should arrive with acclimatization time and a conservative pacing strategy that accounts for the altitude's effect on effort and recovery. As the flagship event in the Tenerife Bluetrail series, the 110K offers qualification points for UTMB Mont-Blanc and attracts runners seeking a challenging early-season test. March conditions typically provide stable weather, though summit temperatures can drop near freezing while coastal sections remain mild.

The course begins in coastal Tenerife before ascending through the island's geological layers. Runners navigate technical volcanic trails that transition from forested switchbacks to exposed high-altitude terrain. The summit approach to Teide crosses a stark volcanic landscape of pumice and hardened lava flows, where thin air and exposure test both physical conditioning and mental resolve. The descent retraces much of the ascent route, requiring careful footwork on technical sections that become more challenging as fatigue accumulates.

Location

Practical Info

Weather

March brings stable conditions with mild coastal temperatures (15-20°C) and cooler summit conditions (0-5°C). Summit winds can be significant. Rain is uncommon but possible at higher elevations.

Nearest Airport

TFS - Tenerife South Airport

Accommodation

Most runners stay in coastal resort areas of southern Tenerife with easy access to the start. Book early, as March is peak tourist season. Consider arriving 3-5 days early for altitude acclimatization and course reconnaissance.

Best For

experienced trail runnersmountain runnersultra runners

Notable Features

The Tenerife Bluetrail 110K stands out for its extraordinary vertical journey from sea level to 3,555 meters in a single push, a profile rare outside the Himalayas. The route traverses five climate zones in one day, offering a compressed ecological tour from subtropical coast to alpine desert. The volcanic terrain itself—black sand trails, pumice fields, and hardened lava—provides a distinctive running surface unlike typical European mountain ultras. The March timing offers an early-season challenge for runners targeting UTMB qualifications while escaping winter conditions found elsewhere in Europe.

Other Distances at This Event

3.5K

760m gain

This intense vertical challenge takes place under darkness, combining steep volcanic terrain with the unique experience of night mountain running. The compact distance packs significant elevation gain into a short but demanding climb.

24K

The route keeps to Tenerife's mid-elevation terrain, moving between coastal scrubland and the island's characteristic pine forests. Volcanic rock dominates the surface—black lava formations, embedded pumice, and weathered basalt require continuous focus. Forest sections bring shade and pine needle coverage, though roots and embedded rocks maintain the technical demand throughout.

47K Relay

The relay covers a 47-kilometer section of the Bluetrail course across Tenerife's volcanic terrain. Teams encounter the same technical challenges that define the island's trails: sharp volcanic rock underfoot, exposed ridgelines with Atlantic views, and transitions between coastal sections and higher elevations. Handoff points are positioned at accessible locations, though support crews should anticipate the logistical complexity of moving between exchanges on an island where roads don't always follow the most direct routes.

47K

The course begins in lower elevation zones before climbing into Teide National Park, covering technical volcanic terrain that includes pine forest sections and exposed volcanic paths. The route's volcanic rock surfaces require careful foot placement. Runners should prepare for technical footing throughout, with the terrain varying from forested trails to open volcanic landscapes as elevation increases.

73K

The route begins near sea level before ascending through established trails in the pine forests that characterize Tenerife's mid-elevation zones. As runners climb, the vegetation thins and the volcanic geology becomes increasingly dramatic, with views extending across the island and out to neighboring peaks when weather permits. The technical demands intensify in the upper sections, where the trail traverses lava fields and volcanic ridges that require focused navigation and sure footing on uneven, abrasive surfaces.