Tenerife Seniors Champion Active Aging at Inaugural Las Teresitas Race

The recent 1st Senior Race at Las Teresitas beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife highlighted a growing trend: using endurance sports to boost social connection and well-being in later life. The event brought together over 300 seniors to complete a one-kilometer course, turning what could have been a simple athletic competition into a vibrant celebration of retirement.

This event signals a shift in how the Canary Islands approach active aging. It showcased the impressive physical fitness of seniors who maintain regular training routines. Participants included seasoned athletes like mountain runner Francisco José Rodríguez and members of local clubs like Atletas 97, all of whom stressed that discipline and a healthy lifestyle are key to staying independent.

The race also saw strong female participation, led by 87-year-old María Alicia Ferri. The motivations for joining were varied: while some runners focused on performance, others—including groups from day centers in Icod de los Vinos and Santa Cruz—viewed the race as a way to socialize and have fun. This variety shows that institutions need to offer a wider range of activities for seniors, a group that Verónica Meseguer, the Director General for the Elderly, noted is eager for opportunities to stay active and be recognized for their life experience.

The men’s podium was shared by José Francisco Rodríguez and Isidro Aguilar, while 91-year-old Lucía Remón was honored as one of the oldest participants. Their success sent a clear message: age is not a barrier to physical activity. The day ended with a call for more investment in healthy aging programs, with participants arguing that society should honor their past contributions by investing in policies that ensure their well-being and active role in the community.