Trail running course through technical terrain in Canary Islands, ES

Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB 3.5K

3.5K·760m gain·Tenerife, Spain

mountainhigh altitudetechnicaltrailcoastal

AI-generated image

Distance3.5K

Gain760m

DateMar 2026

Difficulty3/5

About This Race

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.

Location

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Practical Info

Weather

March temperatures typically range from mild coastal conditions to cold mountain conditions at elevation, with possible cloud cover and trade wind effects.

Nearest Airport

TFS - Tenerife South Airport

Accommodation

Various accommodation options available across the island, from coastal resorts to mountain lodges near the national park.

Best For

experienced trail runnersmountain runnersultra runners

Notable Features

The race offers the rare opportunity to start at sea level and climb to Spain's highest peak at 3,555 meters, traversing volcanic lava flows and experiencing the dramatic 'sea of clouds' phenomenon. The course runs through the UNESCO World Heritage Teide National Park, combining coastal paths with high-altitude volcanic terrain in a setting found nowhere else in the world.

Other Distances at This Event

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.

110K

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.