Marathons, Triathlons, and Cycling in Tenerife – A Sports Enthusiast’s Paradise

Tenerife, with its mild year-round climate, diverse landscapes, and challenging terrain, is a prime destination for runners, triathletes, and cyclists looking to train or compete in world-class events. From high-altitude trails on Mount Teide to scenic coastal routes and professional-level cycling climbs, the island offers ideal conditions for endurance sports.

With an increasing number of marathons, triathlons, and cycling races, Tenerife has become a hotspot for both elite athletes and amateurs, who come to test their limits against the island’s stunning yet demanding topography.

Marathons & Running Events in Tenerife

Runners in Tenerife can enjoy a mix of urban routes, mountain trails, and coastal paths, making the island one of the best places in Spain for marathon training and races.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marathon

Date: Annually in November
Distances: 8 km, Half Marathon (21 km), and Full Marathon (42 km)
Route Highlights:
- A flat and scenic course through Santa Cruz’s modern and historic districts
- Sections running alongside the Atlantic Ocean
- Perfect for PB-seekers due to minimal elevation changes

Tenerife Bluetrail (Ultra Marathon)

Date: Annually in June
Distances: 10 km (starter race), 24 km (trail), 47 km (marathon), 73 km (ultra), and 110 km (extreme)
Route Highlights:
- One of Europe’s highest-altitude ultra marathons, reaching 3,550 meters near Mount Teide
- Volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and rugged mountain trails
- Attracts top international trail runners due to its unique high-altitude challenge

Medio Maratón de Las Galletas

Date: Annually in April
Distances: 5 km, 10 km, and Half Marathon (21 km)
Route Highlights:
- Coastal race through Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio
- Mostly flat course, ideal for beginners and personal records

Vertical Races & Trail Running Events

For those who prefer mountain running, Tenerife offers several vertical races:

Carrera Vertical de Güímar – 4 km uphill race with a 900-meter elevation gain
Ascent to Pico del Teide – A challenging mountain trail race from sea level to Teide National Park

Triathlons in Tenerife

With its varied terrain and warm ocean waters, Tenerife is a top training destination for triathletes. The island hosts several major triathlons, attracting both amateur and professional athletes.

IRONMAN 70.3 Tenerife

Date: Annually in October
Distances:
- 1.9 km swim – Open-water swim in the Atlantic Ocean
- 90 km bike – Challenging climb from the coast to Mount Teide’s foothills
- 21 km run – Coastal loop through Playa de las Américas
Why It’s Special:
- One of Europe’s most scenic IRONMAN 70.3 courses
- The cycling segment is one of the toughest in the IRONMAN circuit, with steep inclines

Ocean Lava Tenerife Triathlon

Date: Annually in November
Distances: Sprint, Olympic, and Half Ironman
Route Highlights:
- Open-water swim in Puerto Colón
- Bike section with Teide views and coastal roads
- Scenic running route along the southern coastline

Teide Xtreme Triathlon

Date: Annually in May
Distances: Full-distance triathlon (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, 42 km run)
What Makes It Unique:
- One of Spain’s hardest triathlons, featuring a bike leg that climbs over 2,000 meters
- A test of endurance and mental strength

Cycling in Tenerife – A Professional-Level Challenge

Tenerife is one of the world’s best cycling destinations, famous for its volcanic climbs, smooth roads, and high-altitude training conditions. Professional cycling teams, including Tour de France champions, train on the island to take advantage of the challenging ascents and mild climate.

Best Cycling Routes in Tenerife

1. Mount Teide Climb (The Ultimate Challenge)

Route: Los Cristianos → Arona → Vilaflor → Mount Teide
Distance: 40 km (one way)
Elevation Gain: 2,100 meters
Why It’s Special:
- One of Europe’s most famous cycling climbs
- Used by professional teams for altitude training
- Offers breathtaking volcanic views at the summit

2. The Anaga Coastal Loop

Route: Santa Cruz → San Andrés → Taganana → La Laguna → Santa Cruz
Distance: 90 km
Elevation Gain: 1,400 meters
Why It’s Special:
- Features winding roads through ancient laurel forests
- Coastal descents with spectacular ocean views

3. Masca Valley Challenge

Route: Los Gigantes → Santiago del Teide → Masca → Buenavista del Norte
Distance: 75 km
Elevation Gain: 1,800 meters
Why It’s Special:
- One of Tenerife’s steepest and most dramatic routes
- Hairpin bends and incredible views over the Teno Mountains

4. Costa Adeje to El Médano (Scenic Coastal Route)

Route: Costa Adeje → Los Cristianos → El Médano
Distance: 50 km
Elevation Gain: 400 meters
Why It’s Special:
- Perfect for beginners and casual riders
- Offers stunning ocean views and gentle terrain

Why Train in Tenerife?

✔ Year-Round Cycling & Running Conditions – With temperatures between 18–26°C, Tenerife is ideal for outdoor sports year-round.
✔ Diverse Terrain – The island offers flat roads for time trial training and high-altitude climbs for endurance athletes.
✔ Altitude Training – Mount Teide’s altitude (2,300m) is perfect for improving aerobic capacity.
✔ Well-Maintained Roads – Smooth tarmac roads with minimal traffic in rural areas.
✔ Frequent Professional Athletes – Many cycling teams, marathon runners, and triathletes train on the island.

Anecdote: The Cyclist Who Beat the Pros

During an early morning ride up Mount Teide, a local amateur cyclist joined a group of professionals on a training session. Expecting to be dropped within minutes, he gave it his best shot and managed to keep pace with the pros for nearly 20 km.

The stunned professionals, used to riding among elite athletes, eventually asked, "Which team do you ride for?"Laughing, the local replied, "No team, just a guy who loves climbing Teide every morning!"

This story became famous among Tenerife’s cycling community, proving that on this island, even amateurs can challenge the best.

Final Thoughts – Why Endurance Athletes Love Tenerife

World-class marathons, triathlons, and cycling races – ★★★★★
Ideal training conditions and varied terrain – ★★★★★
Spectacular volcanic landscapes and ocean views – ★★★★★
High-altitude performance benefits – ★★★★★
Overall experience – ★★★★★

For runners, triathletes, and cyclists, Tenerife offers a combination of endurance challenges, scenic routes, and professional-level conditions. Whether competing in a marathon, cycling up Mount Teide, or testing yourself in a triathlon, the island is a dream destination for sports enthusiasts.

Marathons, Triathlons, and Cycling in Tenerife - A Sports Enthusiast’s Paradise

See also

Tenerife Opera House - A Cultural Gem of the Canary Islands

Beer Festivals in Tenerife - A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Culture

Scuba Diving in La Restinga Marine Reserve - Beneath the Blue Heart of El Hierro