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La Nocturna Güímarera night race in Plaza de San Pedro, Güímar

Every November, the historic centre of Güímar in Tenerife comes alive with La Nocturna Güímarera, a night race that turns the streets around Plaza de San Pedro into a lively sports festival. Runners of all ages, families and friends gather by the church square to enjoy an evening of competition, local music and Canarian hospitality under the streetlights.

Start arch and race atmosphere on the main street

The heart of the event is the illuminated start and finish arch that marks the timing point for the race. From here, participants take off along the narrow streets of Güímar while spectators line the pavements to cheer them on.

Inflatable race arch of La Nocturna Güímarera lit up at night on the main street of Güímar with people waiting around.

Runners and spectators gathering before the start

Before the race begins, the square becomes a social meeting point. Friends sit on benches, children play around the trees and runners warm up or adjust their bibs. The relaxed atmosphere contrasts with the excitement that will come once the starting horn sounds.

People sitting on a bench and standing under large trees in a square in Güímar while waiting for the night race to start.

Event services and organisation tents

Around the square, several tents are set up to support the organisation of La Nocturna Güímarera. Volunteers, medical teams and sponsors work together to ensure that the race runs smoothly, providing information, assistance and refreshments to the participants.

Organisation tent with volunteers and medical staff attending runners during La Nocturna Güímarera in Güímar.

Plaza de San Pedro and its historic church

La Nocturna Güímarera takes place in front of the iconic Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Güímar. The white façade, clock tower and stone portal create a unique backdrop for the start and finish area, giving the race a distinctly Canarian character.

View of the illuminated church of San Pedro Apóstol in Güímar with runners and spectators gathered in the square at night.

Cheering along the race route

As participants run through the old streets, neighbours lean on barriers and balconies to encourage them. The colourful façades and traditional balconies of Güímar form a corridor of applause as the runners pass.

Runners passing fast in front of colourful houses while spectators clap and watch La Nocturna Güímarera race.

Finish line emotions in the centre of Güímar

The arrival area near the arch is one of the most emotional points of the night. Families wait there to congratulate their loved ones, and many runners use the moment to take photos with the clock and the illuminated trees in the background.

Crowd of runners and spectators gathered close to the finish arch of La Nocturna Güímarera in the illuminated street.

Night-time crowds around the church square

As the evening advances, more people arrive to enjoy the party atmosphere. The square in front of the church fills with participants wearing their race shirts, friends taking photos and neighbours who come out to live this special night in Güímar.

Large crowd gathered in front of the illuminated church of San Pedro during La Nocturna Güímarera at night.

People enjoying the Nocturna Güímarera experience

One of the keys to the success of this event is the community spirit. Groups of friends, local clubs and families fill the streets, turning La Nocturna Güímarera into much more than a race: it becomes a celebration of sport and neighbourhood life.

Groups of people in race shirts and casual clothes chatting and enjoying the festive atmosphere of La Nocturna Güímarera.

Awards ceremony on the main stage

At the end of the race, the best runners in each category climb the stage set up in front of the church. There, under the lights and accompanied by applause, the organisers congratulate the winners and hand out trophies that commemorate the anniversary editions of the event.

Winners of La Nocturna Güímarera standing on the stage in Plaza de San Pedro while the crowd watches the prize-giving ceremony.

Subchampion trophy of La Nocturna Güímarera

For many runners, La Nocturna Güímarera is a personal challenge and a chance to achieve a place on the podium. The commemorative trophies, featuring the image of the race mascot, are a cherished souvenir of the night and a symbol of the effort put into every kilometre through the streets of Güímar.

Close-up of a runner holding the La Nocturna Güímarera subchampion trophy in front of the busy square in Güímar.

Why visit Güímar during La Nocturna Güímarera

Visiting Güímar during La Nocturna Güímarera is an excellent way to discover this corner of Tenerife. The race combines sport, local culture and a festive atmosphere in a compact historic centre that is easy to explore on foot. Whether you come to run or simply to cheer, the illuminated façade of the church, the lively streets and the friendly welcome from the people of Güímar make this night race an unforgettable experience in the south-east of the island.