The sirens of the cars and motorcycles of the National Police echoed during the morning of Sunday, April 21 in the central streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There were no incidents. It was simply the children Alba, Atassara, Adasa or Ajax, minors who took advantage of the security force’s deployment to pretend to be law enforcement agents for a few minutes. The events marking the bicentenary of the National Police arrived in Tenerife with the celebration of the Ruta 091 race, through which this police force is touring all of Spain as a way to celebrate its first 200 years of existence and to make known its valuable work to the citizens. Thus, from ten in the morning until noon, the esplanade of Avenida Francisco La Roche was filled with runners and the equipment used by the agents every day to ensure the safety of the entire country.
The National Police has been organizing these races in different parts of Spain for some time, and given their success, they have chosen this one as the way to celebrate their 200th anniversary during this 2024. In the case of Tenerife, this was the first time they received this race, which was enjoyed by up to 1,275 people of all ages. During the day, an urban route of just over five kilometres was established for participants aged 14 and older. In addition, several shorter distances, all less than a kilometre, were established for children and young people. Thus, in the children’s category, 275 minors signed up and were divided into four groups that ran about 400 meters starting at eleven in the morning when, in parallel, the exhibition stands began to operate.
On the other hand, the absolute categories saw the thousand bibs available to participants sell out, and a route of just over five kilometers was completed. The winners were Francisco García Viñoly, with a time of 15 minutes and 40 seconds, and Raquel Pérez Pedrola, who completed the course in 20 minutes and 27 seconds. Although it was an accessible route that went through streets like Bravo Murillo, or the avenues San Sebastián and Francisco La Roche, some people decided to only support the initiative financially through the zero bibs category.
In this sense, the day had, above all, a charitable aspect since it was an initiative aimed at supporting the work carried out by the Aldis Foundation, the entity that assists children and young people with functional diversity, as well as their families. The Aldis Foundation provides care for minors and young people with diseases and syndromes of the sensory, cognitive, and sensorial system, who also present disorders of metabolism and the immune system, and they were also present through a stand alongside the activities of the National Police.
Stroll through the units
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The sports day on Sunday was complemented by a display of resources from the various police units of the Provincial Police Station of Santa Cruz de Tenerife who held an exhibition of their equipment and explained their daily tasks. The vehicles they use to get around, such as their vans or motorcycles, delighted the youngest members of the family, who did not hesitate to take over the seats and sound the horns and sirens, drowning out the music that cheered on the races. The Canine Unit was also one of the most successful as anyone who wanted could approach dogs like Harley, pet them, and play with them before they performed the exhibition. The Subsoil and Environmental Protection Unit or the Scientific Police were two of the groups that moved to the esplanade of Avenida Francisco La Roche and, thus, visitors could try taking fingerprints or discover how a specific area is inspected.
The Tedax and Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, and Chemical (NRBQ) Defence Unit aroused great interest among visitors due to the materials they exhibited. They have been operational in Tenerife since 1975 and currently consist of seven operatives on the island. They displayed the suits they wear to carry out explosive deactivation, which weigh about 40 kilograms, and many attendees had the courage to try on their helmets, which weigh up to six kilograms. The agents who are part of this unit spoke of the importance of preparing physically and psychologically to perform these tasks, which involve great pressure, not only due to the difficulty of movement that carrying this equipment entails, but also because of the stressful environment in which they usually work. These agents collaborated during the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano in La Palma, where they remained for eleven months using their chemical and biological protective suits that include breathing equipment and which could also be examined during this encounter.
On the other hand, the Riot Police Unit has been in operation in Tenerife since around 2006 and they displayed the equipment and weaponry they use in their daily work. This is material to ensure public order, “our fundamental mission,” explained the agents at this station, where visitors could try on bulletproof vests or protective helmets, as well as touch shotguns and pistols and admire the precision rifles used in the fight against terrorism or during the surveillance they carry out when personalities such as the President of the Government of Spain or the Kings arrive on the island. It is in those moments when they use weapons that have a range of up to two kilometers.
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All these agents highlighted the need to offer closeness to the citizens, a mission that was more than fulfilled in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Additionally, after the medal ceremony, different displays of the Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR), canine handlers with Tedax, and drones were carried out. The Provincial National Police Station in Santa Cruz de Tenerife began the celebration of its bicentenary in this way with this event that will be repeated in different cities throughout Spain. In Canarias, this same race will be held on Saturday, April 27, in Puerto del Rosario, in Fuerteventura, and on May 4 in Maspalomas, in Gran Canaria.
