Storm Therese Forces Tenerife Bluetrail Cancellation, Trail Stars Pivot to Chianti

What a whirlwind week it’s been for the ultrarunning world—and not just on the trails. The much-anticipated Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB, set for a dramatic 110km showdown in the Canary Islands, has been called off at the eleventh hour due to the ferocious arrival of Storm Therese. This decision, announced just ahead of the race weekend in March 2026, has sent shockwaves through the elite running community and left both athletes and fans scrambling for alternatives.

The domino effect began when the Tenerife Island Council activated its Island Emergency Plan (PEIN), responding to severe weather warnings issued by Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET. With westerly gusts expected to reach a staggering 90 km/h—a rare and dangerous intensity for this time of year—the government placed the entire archipelago, including Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and parts of Gran Canaria, under a high-level wind alert and a comprehensive coastal hazard warning. Authorities also warned of 4-meter waves and widespread travel disruption, with the worst expected to last through Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The official race statement didn’t mince words: “The Tenerife Island Council has activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) following severe weather warnings issued by AEMET and the official state of alert declared by the Government of the Canary Islands. In line with instructions from the relevant authorities, we are required to cancel all races and scheduled activities of the Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB. This decision includes the suspension of all outdoor activities, the closure of mountain trails, and the full mobilization of emergency services across the island. 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. All runners have received an email with further information, including full details on how their registration will be handled. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support in a situation beyond our control.”

For runners, the news was a gut punch. Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB was not just another race—it was meant to be the springboard for some of the sport’s biggest names. American ultrarunning legend Courtney Dauwalter, who has made a habit of rewriting the record books, was scheduled to make her seasonal debut on the volcanic trails of Tenerife. Instead, the severe forecast forced her and dozens of other hopefuls to change course, both literally and figuratively.

Storm Therese’s impact has been anything but subtle. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Teide to the bustling streets of the Maspalomas International Carnival, the entire region is facing what’s being called an “Atlantic surge.” The government’s swift response included not only race cancellations but also the suspension of all outdoor activities, closure of mountain trails, and the mobilization of emergency services. The risks are real: strong winds have increased the chance of falling debris, dangerous sea conditions, and significant disruption to transport, including flights and ferries. Even access to iconic sites like Mount Teide is limited, with cable car and summit routes frequently suspended when gusts reach unsafe levels.

For travelers and residents, the advice is clear—exercise extreme caution and stay updated through official weather channels. Even if temperatures remain mild, the wind is wreaking havoc on daily routines and planned excursions. Beachgoers are being warned to heed colored flags and avoid exposed coastal areas, while hikers are seeing popular routes and viewpoints closed for safety. Transport officials are bracing for ongoing delays, especially at exposed airports such as Tenerife North, and ferry services between the islands may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. The message from local authorities is simple: public safety comes first, and the situation remains fluid.

But if there’s one thing the ultrarunning community is known for, it’s adaptability. No sooner had the cancellation hit inboxes than the sport’s top athletes began plotting their next move. Enter the Ultra Trail Chianti Castles by UTMB in Tuscany, Italy—a 120km race that’s suddenly become the new epicenter of spring trail running. Courtney Dauwalter, whose UTMB index rating of 837 makes her the highest-ranked female entrant, has already appeared at the top of the Chianti start list. Her presence sets up a tantalizing clash with Norway’s Yngvild Kaspersen (796) and fellow American Rachel Entrekin (772), the defending Cocodona champion. British runner Gemma Hillier-Moses, last year’s 73km winner at Chianti and the Arc of Attrition 50 champion in January, is also in the mix, adding further intrigue to a field brimming with talent.

Chianti isn’t just a consolation prize—it’s a Golden Ticket race for the Western States Endurance Run, one of the sport’s most coveted events. While the original plan was for UTMB to kick off its 10-race live coverage with Tenerife, the sudden pivot means that, unfortunately, Chianti will not be broadcast. Still, the stakes remain sky-high, and the competition promises to be fierce. For Dauwalter, it’s a chance to salvage her spring season and fine-tune her form ahead of a return to the grueling 256-mile Cocodona in May. For fans, it’s an unexpected showdown that could deliver fireworks in the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Meanwhile, the wider context across Spain is equally dramatic. The severe weather in the Canary Islands is just part of a broader pattern of instability sweeping the country. According to AEMET, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even snowfall are expected in higher mainland areas, marking a sharp contrast to the calmer conditions seen earlier in the year. These powerful Atlantic systems are reshaping travel plans and outdoor activities from the islands to the Iberian peninsula, with ongoing uncertainty for anyone hoping for a quick return to normal.

For now, the ultrarunning world waits and watches. With Storm Therese battering the Canary Islands and emergency measures firmly in place, all eyes turn to Tuscany, where some of the sport’s brightest stars will look to turn disappointment into triumph. The action on the trails may be on pause in Tenerife, but the spirit of competition is alive and well—just rerouted to a different corner of Europe.

As the winds continue to howl over the Atlantic and the storm’s effects ripple through the weekend, runners, organizers, and fans are reminded that in ultrarunning, as in life, sometimes the only option is to adapt and keep moving forward. The next chapter now unfolds in Chianti, where the race for Golden Tickets and spring glory is just getting started.