Storm Therese Forces Tenerife Bluetrail Cancellation as Runners Pivot to Chianti

It was supposed to be a weekend of grit, glory, and high-altitude adventure on the volcanic trails of Tenerife. Instead, the 2026 edition of the Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB has been abruptly cancelled, leaving runners, organizers, and fans scrambling as Storm Therese unleashed its full fury across the Canary Islands. The cancellation, announced on March 18, comes amid extraordinary weather warnings, with authorities prioritizing public safety above all else. And while the island’s trails fall eerily silent, the ultrarunning world is already pivoting—most notably, American superstar Courtney Dauwalter, who’s opted to reroute her season debut to the Ultra Trail Chianti Castles in Tuscany.

The decision to call off the Tenerife Bluetrail, a flagship event in the UTMB World Series, wasn’t made lightly. Organizers cited the activation of the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) by the Tenerife Island Council, following severe weather warnings from AEMET and an official state of alert declared by the Government of the Canary Islands. Their statement pulled no punches: “The safety of our runners, volunteers, and teams is always our top priority. After carefully reviewing all possible scenarios with the authorities, this is the most responsible decision.” The message, sent directly to all registered participants, outlined the suspension of all races and outdoor activities, the closure of mountain trails, and the full mobilization of emergency services across the island. For a region so accustomed to hosting epic sporting events in dramatic landscapes, the abrupt halt is a sobering reminder of nature’s power.

So, what exactly is Storm Therese bringing to the table? According to regional and national weather agencies, the storm made landfall on March 18, battering Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and parts of Gran Canaria with westerly wind gusts expected to reach a staggering 90 km/h—an intensity rarely seen at this time of year. Authorities have warned of massive 4-meter waves slamming coastal areas, with the Atlantic surge transforming serene beaches into hazardous zones. Travel disruption is expected to persist through Sunday, March 22, as the archipelago faces not only fierce winds but also the risk of falling debris, dangerous sea conditions, and logistical headaches for residents and tourists alike.

“The alert applies to Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, as well as parts of Gran Canaria, where Atlantic conditions are expected to strengthen,” confirmed the Government of the Canary Islands. The high-level wind alert for Gran Canaria and a comprehensive coastal hazard warning for the entire archipelago have sent a clear message: caution is paramount. For travelers, this doesn’t necessarily mean cancelling trips outright, but it does require flexibility and vigilance. Flights—especially those landing at exposed airports like Tenerife North—may be delayed, while inter-island ferry services are facing cancellations or last-minute changes. Even everyday routines, from driving coastal highways to hiking in the mountains, are being upended as authorities restrict access to exposed areas.

For the Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB, the timing couldn’t be worse. The 110km race, set against the island’s spectacular volcanic backdrop, was to be the season opener for many elite ultrarunners. The headline attraction? Courtney Dauwalter, whose legendary career has seen her rewrite the record books and inspire a global following. This event was meant to mark her seasonal debut, a tune-up before her return to the grueling 256-mile Cocodona in May. Instead, with the race scrapped, Dauwalter wasted no time charting a new course—her name now topping the entry list for the 120km Ultra Trail Chianti Castles in Tuscany.

Dauwalter’s presence immediately raises the stakes for the Chianti event. At the start of the week, Norway’s Yngvild Kaspersen held the highest UTMB index among female entrants at 796. But with Dauwalter’s formidable 837 rating, the American instantly becomes the woman to beat. The field also includes fellow American Rachel Entrekin—set to defend her Cocodona title in a few months—and Britain’s Gemma Hillier-Moses, who won the 73km Chianti race last year and took the Arc of Attrition 50 in January. The Chianti race is a Golden Ticket event for the Western States, so the stakes are sky-high, even if fans will have to follow along without a live broadcast—UTMB’s planned live coverage was meant to kick off with Tenerife, not Tuscany.

The ripple effects of Storm Therese extend far beyond the running community. For residents and tourists across the Canary Islands, the storm is wreaking havoc with daily life and travel plans. Local governments have issued repeated warnings: avoid exposed coastal areas, heed beach flags and maritime advisories, and check for transport updates before venturing out. Hiking routes and scenic viewpoints, especially in elevated areas like Mount Teide, are being temporarily closed or restricted. Operators of the iconic cable car to Teide’s summit often suspend service when conditions become unsafe, and this week is no exception. As one local official put it, “Public safety is being treated as the absolute highest priority while the trajectory of the storm is being tracked.”

The broader context? This isn’t just a local squall. Meteorologists say the Atlantic systems battering the Canary Islands are part of a larger shift in Spain’s weather patterns this week. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even snowfall in higher mainland areas mark a dramatic change from the calm conditions earlier this year. For the islands, the disruption isn’t expected to be a one-day event. “Wind is expected to remain the main disruptive factor over the next few days, particularly in coastal and elevated areas,” AEMET reports. That means ongoing uncertainty for flights, ferries, and outdoor events—travelers and locals alike are bracing for several days of unpredictability.

For ultrarunning fans, the sudden switch from Tenerife to Tuscany is bittersweet. There’s disappointment, of course, but also anticipation: the Ultra Trail Chianti Castles now boasts one of the year’s most compelling lineups, thanks to a last-minute influx of world-class talent. Meanwhile, the UTMB circuit presses on, with organizers promising to support affected runners and keep safety at the forefront of every decision. Those hoping to watch the drama unfold live will have to settle for updates and race reports, as the original broadcast plans remain on hold.

As Storm Therese continues to batter the Canary Islands, the region’s resilience is being tested. Whether you’re a runner, a resident, or a traveler, the message is clear: stay alert, stay safe, and keep an eye on the horizon. With elite athletes adapting on the fly and emergency services working around the clock, this is one weekend the islands—and the world of ultrarunning—won’t soon forget.