Birthplace of The Bull Runners: Pamplona, Spain

Risk Factors

Although anyone who chooses to run with the bulls does so at their own risk, there are a few safeguards in place to make it a little less dangerous. A tall wooden fence protects the spectators from the bulls, and a dedicated team puts it up every morning, and takes it down after every run. In the course itself, pastores (shepherds) run behind the bulls with long sticks to stop them from turning around halfway through the course. Dobladores are experienced staff, usually ex-bullfighters, who help the runners keep to one side after entering the bull ring. They also corral the bulls quickly once they enter the ring.

This year, eight people were gored in the first five days of the festival alone — one was rushed to hospital for immediate surgery. Experienced runners say it’s best to be trampled by all six bulls rather than gored by one, and suggest flattening yourself on the ground and covering your head rather than struggling to get up if you fall down.

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To Run or Not to Run

Although running with the bulls is a dangerous kind of adventure, it is open to all people who want to try. Runners must be 18 years of age or older, and are responsible for knowing the detailed rules of what is allowed and not allowed while on the course.

Runners generally wear white clothing with a red bandana tied around their neck, although the uniform isn’t mandatory. Legend claims that the runners wear this outfit to pay tribute to San Fermín, who was martyred. The white represents his saintliness, while the red represents his blood which was spilled. Runners must get into the course before 7:30am, as the gates close promptly at that time. Harassing or tempting the bulls away from the run is strictly forbidden.

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