What happens after the Bull Run (encierro) is over?

Immediately after the Bull Run (encierro) heifers (vaquillas) are released in the bullfight arena (Plaza de Toros). They will chase all the runners who made it into the arena. It is less dangerous to be hit by a heifer, especially because their horns are taped. However, they can cause damage and one man has been paralyzed from being hit.

Can I watch the Bull Run (encierro) from the bullfight arena (Plaza de Toros)?

Yes, it is possible to watch the runners and bulls enter the arena from the Bull Run. Just walk to the bullfight arena early in the morning to gather a seat before the Bull Run (encierro) at 8 a.m.. After a balcony spot, this is the second best option for watching running of the bulls.

I want to run with the bulls. How does it work?

Get in line behind the cut-off/start line on Mercaderes street. The curve at Plaza Consistorial where the Txupinazo Opening Ceremonies take place, is a good location. Try to be there by 7 a.m. the latest or you risk not finding a spot. Around 8 a.m. you will have a chance to move around the course and get into position. First time runners usually fare well with Estafeta street because it is comparatively “easy” with its straight, even ground. The end gets more densely packed than the beginning. Wait for the gun shots. The first shot tells you that the gates have been opened and the bulls are running. The second one, that the last bull has left the corrals. Many … read more

Do the bulls get hurt?

During the Bull Run (encierro) the bulls usually do not get hurt. They may bruise themselves if they slip and fall. In the evening then at 6 p.m., the bulls are killed during the bullfights in the bullfight arena (Plaza de Toros). Particularly brave bulls may be pardoned by the audience and let to die a natural death but this rarely ever happens.

How dangerous is it to run?

The chances of being hit or gored by a bull in the Pamplona Bull Run (encierro) is relatively small. However, being hit results in injuries ranging from bruises to goring (the bull’s horn piercing the body) and death. Death usually occurs when the horn digs into a runners lungs. There is no guarantee for avoiding collusion with a bull. Sometimes people get hit even when they are pressed into a doorway. You never know what catches the bulls attention and makes him turn, suddenly. The death toll since 1910 is 15 men, including a man who suffocated to death in a pile-up of runners. Besides the bull there is a likelihood of being trampled on by other runners. This is … read more

Can anybody run?

Anyone 18 years and older is entitled to run with the bulls in Pamplona. However, the police is very vigilant and will immediately pull out anyone who breaks the rules, either before or during the Bull Run (encierro). The most important rules include: No drunks No electronics (photo or video cameras, phones, mp3 players etc.) No high heels No touching of the bulls (even though some people do this it is seen as disrespectful to the animal and will be punished by aficionados and the police alike) Anyone who stands in front of the start line will be removed from the Bull Run (encierro) course at 7 a.m.. The line is on Mercaderes street so that anyone between Santo Domingo … read more

How many bulls are there?

In total you will see 12 animals. There are 6 bulls which can be recognized immediately by their darker coloring, either black or brown. At a closer look you can also tell them apart because they are not castrated. The other 6 bulls are actually steers, recognizable by their lighter coloring, usually white and brown spots. The purpose of the steers is to keep the whole pack together and to calm down the bulls. The steers run every day and know the course well. Steers are harmless which means, they will not try to gore you. If you stand in their way however, they may bump into you.

How long is the Bull Run (encierro)?

The course has a length of 826meters (0.5 miles) and the bulls take between 2.5 and 6 minutes to run it depending on whether they are separated or not. In the case that the pack gets separated a bull will have to be guided by expert runners into the bullfight arena. The Bull Run (encierro) start is on Santo Domingo street and finish is in the Bullfight arena (Plaza de Toros) at the end of Estafeta street.

When do the Bulls run and how often?

The Bulls run every day from July 7th through July 14th at 8 a.m in the morning.