Ultimate Guide to the Running of the Bulls: Pamplona Bull Run Guide
Pro Tip: Beware of the Suelto (Lone Bull)
Regardless of all other safety tips provided for the Running of the Bulls, everything becomes secondary when dealing with a suelto—a lone bull separated from the herd. If you see a bull that's alone, stopped, or moving independently along the route, get away immediately. These bulls are extremely dangerous and prone to attack unpredictably.
Even if you've fallen, if the herd has passed but a lone bull remains nearby, this is the one time you should get up and quickly move to safety. Never hesitate, second-guess, or linger to watch a suelto. Crowds will rapidly close off your escape routes if you delay.
The Pamplona Running of the Bulls, or Encierro, is one of the most exhilarating and dangerous events in the world. Each year, thousands of thrill-seekers descend upon Pamplona, Spain, to participate in or witness this historic spectacle. The event forms a central part of the Fiesta de San Fermín, celebrated from July 6th to July 14th.
From a safety standpoint, the best piece of advice about the run is: do not run. If someone does not participate in the running of the bulls, they cannot get injured. That said, we recognize that many people will be drawn to the event and committed to running. For that reason, we at Encierro exist to explain the run and make sure prospective runners have a good game plan for their first run.
Historical Context of the Encierro
began joining the herders, running alongside the bulls as a display of courage and bravado. Eventually, this informal activity became structured, establishing the Encierro as a recognized event within the Fiesta de San FermÃn.
Global attention was significantly boosted by Ernest Hemingway’s vivid descriptions of the Running of the Bulls in his classic novel "The Sun Also Rises," published in 1926. Hemingway’s romantic portrayal drew international fascination, transforming Pamplona’s annual Encierro into a bucket-list event, attracting thrill-seekers and cultural tourists from around the globe each year.
Today, the Pamplona Running of the Bulls represents not just bravery and excitement but is deeply embedded in the local and international cultural fabric, symbolizing both the traditions and festive spirit of the San FermÃn festival.
Spiritual Significance: Runner’s Prayer
Before the run, many runners gather under a small statue of the saint, to ask for San Fermín’s protection during the bull run. The bull runners recite the traditional prayer to San Fermín, seeking protection and guidance:
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Spanish: "A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro patrón, nos guíe en el encierro dándonos su bendición."
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Basque: "Entzun arren San Fermín, zu zaitugu patroi, zuzendu gure oinarrak entzierru hontan otoi.”
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English: "We ask San Fermín, being our patron saint, to guide us through the bull run, granting us his blessing."
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Preparing to Run: Essential Tips and Safety Measures
Preparation is crucial when you decide to run with the bulls. Understanding the Pamplona bull run route, staying sober, and knowing your physical limits significantly reduce the risk of injury. Always wear traditional white attire complemented by a red pañuelo (neckerchief), which runners traditionally tie in a slipknot.
General Requirements and Recommendations
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Age and Voluntary Participation: Participants must be at least 18 years old and must voluntarily accept all associated risks.
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Physical Condition and Sobriety: Runners must be physically fit, mentally prepared, and completely sober. Intoxicated or impaired individuals significantly heighten the risk of accidents and injuries.
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Appropriate Attire: Traditional white clothing accented with a red scarf or sash is customary but not mandated. Wearing suitable clothing and closed-toe footwear that allows for agility and quick movement is mandatory.
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Entry Time: Access to the bull run route closes precisely at 7:30 am, with no exceptions. Arriving early to secure a spot is essential.
Mandatory Safety and Conduct Rules
Run, Don’t Stand: Participants must always keep moving. Standing still or loitering along the route can lead to dangerous situations and pile-ups.
Completing Your Run: Once the bulls have overtaken you, safely exit the running area to avoid obstructing other participants.
Know the Route: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the bull run route, noting narrow sections, sharp turns, and potential bottleneck points.
Respect for Bulls: Maintain a respectful distance from the bulls and never attempt to provoke, harass, or touch them.
Pro-tip: Use a Slipknot for Your Pañuelo (Neckerchief)
Experienced bull runners always tie their red pañuelo (neckerchief) using a slipknot. This essential technique allows the neckerchief to quickly unravel and fall away if pulled under extreme pressure—such as when hooked by the horn of a bull. This safety measure prevents the dangerous scenario of a runner being dragged by a bull, something that has occurred, especially among first-time participants unaware of this crucial practice.
If you choose to wear a faja (sash) during the run, it should also be tied with a slipknot. However, for safety reasons, we strongly recommend not wearing a faja in the encierro.
What to Do if You Fall
If you fall during the run, immediately:
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Curl into a fetal position on the ground.
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Cover your head with your hands.
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Remain completely motionless until the bulls and runners have safely passed.
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Safety Personnel: Pastores and Dobladores
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Pastores: Equipped with long sticks, pastores manage the herd, assist fallen runners, and prevent risky behaviors.
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Dobladores: Positioned at the Plaza de Toros (bullring), dobladores use capes to calmly guide the bulls into the corrals, reducing agitation and risk upon completing the run.
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Consequences of Rule Violations
Failure to adhere to these rules can result in immediate removal from the event, legal penalties, fines, or even arrest. The City of Pamplona strictly enforces these guidelines for the safety of all participants and animals.
Final Recommendations for a Safe Run
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Maintain situational awareness, especially on crowded days.
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Commit fully to your decision to run; do not hesitate or stop unexpectedly.
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Understand the unpredictability of the bulls. If you see a lone bull, do not stop or observe—continue running.
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Be aware of the real risk of injuries or fatalities, although statistically low, which underscores the importance of adherence to all safety guidelines.
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Participants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Official Rules for the Encierro (Bull Run) provided by the Ayuntamiento de Pamplona. For comprehensive details, participants are strongly encouraged to review the official municipal documentation provided by the Ayuntamiento de Pamplona here.
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Following these bull run rules and guidelines will greatly enhance your safety and enjoyment while participating in or observing one of Spain’s most renowned traditions, the thrilling and historic Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival.
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Ultimately, the Running of the Bulls is not just a thrilling and daring experience but a deeply rooted cultural tradition. To safely 'run for your life' and fully embrace the spirit and excitement of San Fermín, respecting these rules is paramount. Whether participating as a runner or observing from the comfort and safety of Pamplona balcony rentals, understanding and respecting the guidelines ensures everyone enjoys a memorable and safe experience at one of Spain’s most famous events.
Where to Watch: Running of the Bulls Balcony Rentals
For those preferring a safer experience, renting a balcony provides an unparalleled view of the bull run. "Running of the bulls balcony" options are highly popular, offering comfortable and secure vantage points for spectators seeking excitement without direct risk.
Health and Safety Considerations
Running with bulls is inherently dangerous. Injuries, including severe goring and trampling, happen annually. Medical services are strategically stationed along the route, and it's advisable to familiarize yourself with their locations. Participants must avoid alcohol before the run, maintain fitness, and follow guidelines closely.
Role of Pastores and Dobladores
The Encierro also relies on specialized personnel known as pastores and dobladores who play crucial roles in maintaining order and safety:
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Pastores: These individuals, wearing green polo shirts, carry long sticks and are strategically positioned along the route to help manage and guide the bulls. Their main responsibilities include preventing runners from dangerous behaviors, redirecting stray bulls, and assisting fallen or injured participants. Pastores are skilled, experienced, and trained specifically for this task, making them an essential safety component of the Encierro.
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Dobladores: Positioned primarily at the end of the bull run in the Plaza de Toros, dobladores assist in safely leading the bulls into the corrals within the bullring. Using capes and their extensive knowledge of bull behavior, dobladores ensure that bulls enter the ring smoothly and without agitation, significantly reducing the risk of incidents upon completion of the run.
BEFORE YOU RUN
Physical and Mental Preparedness:
It's essential to be physically and mentally prepared. Avoid participating if tired or under the influence of alcohol.
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Choosing Your Section:
The bull run covers 875 meters, but it's typical to choose a shorter segment to run alongside the bulls, stepping aside carefully afterward to avoid blocking other bull runners. Do not plan to stand in a doorway or corner.
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Situational Awareness:
Be aware not only of the bulls but also of the numerous other participants. Avoiding trips and falls is advised but often unavoidable, especially during crowded weekends.
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Commitment to the Run:
If you choose to run, do it decisively. Entering the route just to observe can create hazards and may result in being removed by authorities.
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Unpredictability of Bulls:
Bulls can behave unpredictably, potentially separating from the herd or changing direction suddenly, increasing danger significantly.
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Risk of Injuries:
While statistically low, injuries can occur, including horn wounds or trauma. The closer you run to the bulls, the higher your risk.
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Possibility of Fatalities:
Although rare, fatalities have occurred. Since 1980, five deaths have been recorded, representing a low but real risk.
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Unique Experience:
About 54% of participants run for the first and last time, highlighting the intense and extraordinary nature of the event.
These guidelines aim to enhance participants' safety and ensure they fully enjoy this unique tradition.
Montones (Pile-ups)
One of the most feared and hazardous situations during Pamplona's Running of the Bulls is known as a montón, or pile-up. A montón occurs when runners stumble or fall, typically near bottlenecks, corners, or narrow sections of the bull run route. As more participants rapidly approach and collide with the downed runners, a dangerous human blockage forms, trapping runners underneath with no immediate escape as bulls barrel through.
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Several notorious pile-ups have become legendary in the history of Sanfermines. On July 7, 1977, a major montón took place at the narrow entrance to the Plaza de Toros (bullring), involving dozens of runners who became trapped under a chaotic heap of bodies. Tragically, 17-year-old José JoaquÃn Esparza SarasÃbar died in this pile-up, crushed by the crowd after suffering internal injuries.
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Another notable incident happened on July 13, 2013, at the entrance to the bullring, when a sudden pile-up formed due to a failure to open doors at the end of the Callejón that leads onto the sand of the bullring. Runners were trapped with nowhere to go, sandwiched between the door and charging bulls. Panic ensued as the bulls arrived, forcing runners to desperately climb barriers and walls to avoid injury. Miraculously, despite the severity of the incident, no fatalities resulted from this dramatic montón. Watch the video of this famous pile-up here.
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Montones typically form due to crowding, hesitation, or falls, especially at sharp turns or bottleneck sections such as the narrow entrance to the Callejón leading to the bullring. Organizers continually emphasize that hesitation or stopping during the run is extremely dangerous, as these actions frequently initiate these potentially deadly human pile-ups.
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Seasoned bull runners remain hyper-aware of the risk of a montón, emphasizing the importance of route familiarity, decisive running, and avoiding crowds. Understanding how and where montones typically occur—and maintaining constant forward momentum—is critical to reducing the risk of becoming trapped in these perilous situations during the Pamplona bull run.
Running of the Bulls Deaths
The Encierro, or Running of the Bulls, at the Fiesta de San FermÃn in Pamplona is world-famous for its thrilling and adrenaline-fueled spectacle, yet it also carries significant risks. Over its long history, the Pamplona bull run has unfortunately seen tragic moments resulting in the deaths of at least 16 runners. Despite continuous improvements in safety and emergency response, the possibility of severe injury or death remains an inherent part of this tradition.
Chronological Record
1910-1920s
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Francisco García Gurrea (1910)
From Falces, Navarra. Severely injured in a large pileup at the entrance to the old bullring. His injuries led to tuberculosis, causing his death on January 21, 1911. His case was officially recognized in 2002 after historical research.
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Esteban Domeño Laborra (1924)
A 22-year-old from Sangüesa, Navarra. Fatally gored by a Conde de Santa Coloma bull at the Telefónica curve. Trapped against barriers by dense crowds, he died approximately 30 hours later.
1925-1940
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Santiago Martínez Zufía (1927)
A 34-year-old from Pamplona. Fatally injured in the bullring while attempting to find safety in a burladero when pinned by a bull from Celso Cruz del Castillo.
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Gonzalo Bustinduy y Gutiérrez de la Solana (1935)
From San Luis de Potosí, Mexico. Killed when he incited a Carmen de Federico bull with his jacket in the bullring, resulting in a fatal goring to the chest.
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1941-1960
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Casimiro Heredia and Julián Zabalza (1947)
Both killed by the same bull, "Semillero," from Antonio Urquijo's Murube ranch. Heredia was fatally gored on Estafeta Street, while Zabalza was killed shortly after in the bullring.
1961-1970
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Vicente Urrizola Istúriz (1961)
A 32-year-old veteran runner from Pamplona. Severely gored by an Álvaro Domecq bull near Plaza Ayuntamiento, dying thirty hours later despite medical efforts.
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Hilario Pardo Simón (1969)
A 45-year-old from Murchante, Navarra. Killed on Santo Domingo Hill by "Reprochado," a bull from Salvador Guardiola Fantoni, after falling and suffering a fatal goring.
1971-1980
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Juan Ignacio Eraso Martiartu (1974)
An 18-year-old from Pamplona. Died after misjudging the presence of a trailing bull named "Palmello" from Manuel Arranz's ranch near the bullring entrance.
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Gregorio Górriz Sarasa (1975)
From Arazuri. Died during a severe human pileup in the callejón leading to the bullring. Fatally injured by "Navarrico," a bull from Francisco Javier Osborne.
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José Joaquín Esparza Sarasíbar (1977)
A 17-year-old runner from Pamplona Spain. Uniquely, died from injuries caused by a steer's hoof crushing his chest during a pileup, breaking a rib that severed his vena cava.
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José Antonio Sánchez Navascués and Vicente Risco Sierra (1980)
Both killed by "Antioquio" from Salvador Guardiola Fantoni during an eleven-minute run. Sánchez died at Plaza Ayuntamiento, while Risco was fatally gored in the Pamplona bullring.
1981-2000
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Matthew Peter Tasio (1995)
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A 22-year-old from Illinois, USA. Fell twice at Plaza Ayuntamiento and was fatally gored in the abdomen by "Castellano," a bull from Torrestrella.
2001 - Present
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Fermín Etxeberria Irañeta (2003)
A 63-year-old experienced Pamplona bull runner. Critically injured by "Castillero" from Cebada Gago on Mercaderes, suffering a severe head injury. Passed away after three months in a coma.
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Daniel Jimeno Romero (2009)
A 27-year-old bull runner from Alcalá de Henares. The most recent fatality, killed by "Capuchino," an aggressive bull from Jandilla, at Telefónica. Suffered a fatal neck wound despite immediate medical attention.
Concluding Thoughts
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is unmatched in its blend of cultural depth, historical significance, and sheer adrenaline. Whether you're considering running with bulls or prefer safely viewing from a Pamplona balcony, understanding and respecting the event's risks and traditions ensures a meaningful, memorable experience.