The running of the bulls is a free 875-meter race in front of six wild bulls and six steer that guide the herd along the route to the bullring. It takes place in Pamplona every day during the Sanfermin fiestas, from July 7th to 14th, at 8 in the morning. If nothing unusual happens, its duration is usually between 2 and 3 minutes. When it exceeds three minutes, the danger exponentially increases because the bulls, instead of running in a group, start running individually.
What is the origin of the running of the bulls?
At an undetermined date, butchers, the guild in charge of acquiring the cattle, began to accompany the shepherds in the task of guiding the bulls and steers to the bullring. Over time, this entertainment became popular, and running in front of the animals began instead of behind them as was done previously.
How to participate?
You don’t need to register, participation is free and any person over 18 years old can run, but there are rules and prohibitions that you must respect if you don’t want to have a problem with the authorities, who don’t joke around at that hour: primarily, do not enter the route if you have been drinking excessively.
Route
The running of the bulls goes through several streets in Pamplona’s old town, from Santo Domingo slope to the bullring. In total, it covers 875 meters. No matter how physically fit you are, it is impossible to complete the entire route due to the distance, the presence of other runners, and the speed of the bulls. If you are in Pamplona during those days and hours, don’t worry, the route is fenced, and the bulls cannot escape.
Access
At the end of the night, the side streets of the route are closed off with a double fence. They are cleaned as they get quite dirty after the night’s revelry, and the police evacuate everyone because no one should be between the two fences, except for accredited medical staff and media. Once the final barrier is in place, the entire street becomes a dead-end and the only way to access the route is through the door of the municipal square, between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. All spectators of the running of the bulls must remain behind the second security fence.
Preparations
Shortly before the start of the running of the bulls, the runners who will run in the first section, the Santo Domingo slope, entrust themselves to the image of San Fermín, the patron saint of the fiestas, with a chant in honor of the saint that goes “To San Fermín we ask, as our patron, to guide us in the running of the bulls, giving us his blessing”. Then the rocket is launched to announce the start.
Rockets
Pay attention to the rockets that will sound, as it is how the organizers communicate with the runners and the public. The first one indicates that the running of the bulls has begun and urges the herd to leave the pen; the second signals that all the bulls have left the pen and are on the route; the third warns us that the bulls are already in the bullring, meaning there are no bulls in the streets anymore; and the fourth announces that there is no more danger because the bulls are in their own pens. This signal allows the streets to reopen and notifies the security personnel that the city can continue with the festivities.
How to run?
Before deciding to run, inform yourself about all aspects of the race and how to run well. If you are determined, choose a section of the route and listen to advice from more experienced runners. The idea is to start running, first slowly, then at full speed, before the bulls arrive, stay in front of them (closer or farther depending on how risky you want to be) and move aside cleanly from their path, making sure not to cross or endanger other runners (stay against the wall or jump over a fence if there is one).
Risks
The running of the bulls carries risks. There is an average of 2,000 people participating in each run, the bulls can gore or trample, and it is common for several people to be injured each day by horns, blows, or traumas, sometimes severe, especially if there are straggling bulls or a pile-up occurs. It is not common, but there have been several deaths in the last 30 years. If you are a foreigner and you are injured in the running of the bulls, you will be treated and cared for, but then you will be billed for the cost to be covered by your medical insurance.
And if you don’t run…
If you don’t feel like risking your life but still want to see the running of the bulls, there are various ways to watch it. From some of the balconies along the route of the running of the bulls sold by Sanfermin.com, in the bullring itself, where you can also watch the young bull show, or on TV if you haven’t had the chance to come to Pamplona or are recovering from a hangover in your hotel or at home.
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