Storm Therese Threatens Tenerife Bluetrail and Sporting Events Across Canary Islands

The Canary Islands' sports calendar faces uncertainty as Storm Therese approaches, threatening the 15th edition of the Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB®. Organizers and international franchise representatives are currently evaluating whether the race can proceed, with a final decision pending a technical meeting between the regional government and island councils this Tuesday.

The primary concern is the snow level, which could drop to 1,600 meters. This poses a significant safety risk for the 110km and 73km races, as these routes pass through Teide National Park at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters, where freezing temperatures and snow would make the course dangerous. The event's logistics are already being affected; Tuesday’s official press conference has been canceled, and the start of the program—originally set for Thursday with the Vertical Night Challenge—is now uncertain.

Organizers are under immense pressure to decide quickly to minimize the impact on athletes traveling from outside the islands. The situation is further complicated by the race’s place in the global UTMB® circuit; if the event cannot be held as scheduled, it may be impossible to reschedule for 2026 due to a crowded international calendar.

Storm Therese is also affecting other events. The Spanish Junior and Senior Winter Artistic Swimming Championship, scheduled for the Tenerife Aquatic Sports Center in Puerto de la Cruz, is being closely monitored. Over 300 athletes from 30 clubs across 11 regions are expected to attend, and organizers are waiting for further weather updates before confirming if the competition can go ahead as planned.