The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
Understanding the Risks and Making the Best of San Fermin
The San Fermin Festival is perhaps most famous for "Encierro" or the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. The real dangers of the bull run, starting near the arena, entering the bull run, and participating in the Bull Run are covered in this article.
This event originated from the need to transfer the bulls from the outside of town to the bull ring, where the bulls are sacrificed during the bull fights. People began to run with the herd, to direct them into the bull ring, the event has evolved into a large scale event.
The "Encierro" or Running of the Bulls takes place at 8 a.m. every morning from the 7th of July until the 14th. It is important to arrive early on the day of the Bull Run to get your spot in the street. The Bull Run is a total of about 800 meters (half a mile), from the start at the bull pen on Santo Domingo Street, to the bull ring.
Participating in the Bull Run
There is a great feeling of anticipation as the participants wait shoulder to shoulder in the streets waiting for the Running of the Bulls to begin. The wait for 8 am seems endless as the runners push the thoughts of injury from their minds. In the last few minutes before 8 o'clock as the anticipation reaches a climax the streets begin to thin out as people nervously begin moving toward the bull ring.
The event begins with a bang, as the firecracker signals that the bulls have been released! Since the streets are crowded with runners it is hard to see behind while running, so the sound of huffs on the cobblestone is the only indication that the bulls are near. It is important to watch out for other runners and to avoid being pushed over.
The Real Dangers of the Bull Run
Although many people have finished the runs unscathed it is important to understand the risk involved with the event. Death or serious injury is a reality and respectful behavior to police, paramedics and other participants is expected, the opposite is NOT tolerated.
There have been a total of 14 deaths since 1910 according to the article, "Dangers in the Running of the Bulls" (SanFermin.com), and many injuries from being trampled or impaled by the sharp horns on the 600 kilogram (1300 lbs) bulls.
Entering in the Bull Run
There is no starting line; there is no sign up, no waivers, and no protection except for the doorways and the fences that block off the streets. There are designated entrances from the gated area to enter the street for the bull run. Climbing through or jumping over fences is not an appropriate way to enter the street. Groups of paramedics are there waiting to come to the aid of any injured people, stay out of way of police and paramedics.
The closer to the bull pen on Santo Domingo Street, the more dangerous it is. The bulls burst out of the pen with much more speed coming up the first hill on Santo Domingo Street and slow down as they begin to tire. There are no doorways or places to duck out of the way for the first stretch until the town hall where many participants start. The town hall is about 520 meters from the arena where it ends.
Starting Near the Arena
Some people choose to start closer to the to the bull ring at the end of the run. Be careful because this can also be a risky maneuver. When the bulls are released the bull ring is opened for the bulls to be taken to the pens inside the stadium.
Once the last bull has run into the stadium the doors are closed and no more people are aloud into the bull ring. Locals and spectators in the stands do not appreciate people who take the easy way out and start close to the arena. The spectators boo and throw bottles at anyone who arrives into the ring before the first bull. It may be best to take your chances with the bulls or else consider just watching the event from the streets or the arena.
It is important to respect all of the locals and their traditions, as well as the bulls and the dangers associated.
Inside the arena
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