We debated whether to add ‘Run of the Bulls’ to Great Runs. It happens once a year. It’s 875m and takes two minutes. But it’s a thing, and is on some runners’ bucket lists, so we’ve included it!
The tradition dates back to the 14th century where cattle herders would move their bulls into the city for sale or bullfights. Now it’s become a thing where a large group of runners run ahead of the bulls and attempt to beat them to the Plaza de Toros. About 20,000 runners participate in this event each year, on average.
The Run of the Bulls (encierros) is part of the San Fermin festival, held annually from Julky 6-14. Each morning at 8am, the official ‘run’ occurs. Runners run ahead of the six bulls that are released, passing through a fenced part of the historic section of Pamplona. The 875m route goes through four streets (Santo Domingo, Ayuntamiento, Mercaderes and Estafeta) via the Town Hall Square and the short section “Telefónica”, just before entering into the bullring through its callejón (tunnel). The run typically takes around 2 1/2 minutes.
Rules and Notes:
- Anyone can enter this race, and it’s free. Participants to be at least 18 years old, run in the same direction as the bulls, not incite the bulls, and not be under the influence of alcohol.
- Yes, it’s dangerous. On average, 50-100 runners are injured in this event annually.
- This is also a major tourist event, and it’s televised. Note there are ‘tours’ and ‘clubs’ that once can sign up for (and also reserve balcony seats). Some of these appear legit, others scamm-y.
We debated whether to add ‘Run of the Bulls’ to Great Runs. It happens once a year. It’s 875m and takes two minutes. But it’s a thing, and is on some runners’ bucket lists, so we’ve included it!
The tradition dates back to the 14th century where cattle herders would move their bulls into the city for sale or bullfights. Now it’s become a thing where a large group of runners run ahead of the bulls and attempt to beat them to the Plaza de Toros. About 20,000 runners participate in this event each year, on average.
The Run of the Bulls (encierros) is part of the San Fermin festival, held annually from Julky 6-14. Each morning at 8am, the official ‘run’ occurs. Runners run ahead of the six bulls that are released, passing through a fenced part of the historic section of Pamplona. The 875m route goes through four streets (Santo Domingo, Ayuntamiento, Mercaderes and Estafeta) via the Town Hall Square and the short section “Telefónica”, just before entering into the bullring through its callejón (tunnel). The run typically takes around 2 1/2 minutes.
Rules and Notes:
- Anyone can enter this race, and it’s free. Participants to be at least 18 years old, run in the same direction as the bulls, not incite the bulls, and not be under the influence of alcohol.
- Yes, it’s dangerous. On average, 50-100 runners are injured in this event annually.
- This is also a major tourist event, and it’s televised. Note there are ‘tours’ and ‘clubs’ that once can sign up for (and also reserve balcony seats). Some of these appear legit, others scamm-y.
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