THE PAMPLONA BULL RUN ROUTE
The Pamplona bull run “recorrido” (route) carves its way through the cavernous streets of Pamplona’s Old City (Casco Viejo) from the banks of the Arga River to the Plaza de Toros (bull run). The route is approximately 875 meters and the running of the bulls takes roughly three minutes on average, although for participants, it can feel significantly longer. The route is segmented into distinct sections, each with unique challenges and characteristics.
The Run Route
It's uphill for two hundred and eighty meters. The bulls take approximately 40 seconds to finish this section. From there, the route briefly levels and widens in Town Hall Square (Plaza Consistorial) also known as “Ayuntamiento.” There are two slight left turns in the bull run route, onto "Calle de los Mercaderes” ultimately ending at "La Curva," the famous curve at the start of Calle Estafeta. Estafeta Street is the longest stretch of the Pamplona bull run, and it briefly widens before entering into Telefónica, before briefly going downhill towards a small tunnel called the "Callejón. The San Fermin Running of the Bulls ends on the sand of the bullring, and as the bulls enter, "dobladores," guys holding capes, will try to lure the bulls from the entrance across to the corrals.
Pro Tip
There are no “safe” places on the bull run route. If you want to guarantee your safety, we recommend renting a bull run balcony or watching the end of the encierro from the stands inside the bullring.
Calle Santo Domingo
The run begins steeply uphill from the corrals of Santo Domingo. This section is narrow, daunting, and particularly dangerous as bulls are at peak speed and energy. Due to the 10% incline and confined space, runners must have exceptional agility and speed to navigate safely.
Ayuntamiento(Town Hall), Plaza Consistorial
The course widens slightly as it enters Ayuntamiento, providing temporary relief from the initial congestion. However, crowds of runners gather here, making sudden pile-ups common. Maintaining a clear exit strategy and situational awareness is essential to prevent dangerous falls.
Calle Mercaderes
This section runs straight, allowing experienced runners to position themselves strategically ahead of the bulls. Despite being relatively safer, the speed and unpredictability of the bulls still pose a considerable threat. Mercaderes requires vigilance and steady footing due to its slippery cobblestones.
Pro Tip
We strongly discourage first-time runners from starting their run on Calle Santo Domingo. This section of the route is uphill, and bulls possess a significant advantage over humans when ascending, resulting in disproportionately faster speeds. Additionally, at this early stage, the bulls are fresh and energetic, making them particularly dangerous and unpredictable. Calle Santo Domingo also features curbs along much of its length, creating significant trip hazards that increase the risk of falls and injury. New runners should choose a less hazardous section, such as Estafeta Street, to ensure a safer first experience with the Pamplona bull run.
La Curva de Estafeta (The Curve onto Estafeta Street)
One of the most famous and challenging sections of the Pamplona bull run route is La Curva de Estafeta. Located at the sharp intersection connecting Calle Mercaderes to Calle Estafeta, the bulls must execute a tight, 90-degree right-hand turn on slippery cobblestones, often causing animals to lose their footing, skid wide, and collide into the barriers. This area demands heightened alertness and precise positioning from runners, as bulls frequently become disoriented and separated from the herd here, increasing unpredictability and risk.
Calle Estafeta
Estafeta Street is the longest stretch of the run, characterized by a narrow straightaway lined with shops and balconies crowded with spectators. Here, bulls slow slightly, allowing runners longer interactions alongside them. However, crowded conditions increase the risk of being trampled or gored.
Telefónica
The Telefónica section near the end of Estafeta widens considerably, encouraging a false sense of security among runners. This deceptive openness has been the site of many severe injuries. Bulls, feeling cornered or agitated, can quickly change direction, making constant alertness vital.
Pro Tip
Never refer to La Curva (The Curve) as “Dead Man’s Corner.” Seasoned bull runners recognize this term as sensationalistic and indicative of someone unfamiliar with the realities of the encierro. In truth, no runner has ever died at this curve, and to invoke death so casually is disrespectful to the seriousness of the bull run. Proper Pamplona bull runners emphasize accuracy, reverence, and awareness, avoiding overly dramatic language that trivializes or distorts the true nature of the event.
Callejón
The final stretch leading into the bullring is a bottleneck known as the Callejón. Its narrowing passage creates intense congestion, and pile-ups are frequent, often resulting in dangerous trampling incidents. It's crucial to enter this section decisively and quickly to avoid becoming trapped.
Plaza de Toros
Runners who successfully enter the bullring must fan out immediately to avoid collisions with incoming bulls. Here, the excitement peaks, and the arena cheers wildly as bulls and runners conclude the dramatic run.
