Bucket List: Running of the Bulls

Published by Johnny on August 18, 2011

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Straight to the top 10 in my bucket list is the ‘Running of the Bulls’, held in Pamplona, Spain each year from the 6^th to the 14^th of July.

What is the ‘Running of the Bulls’? Held in a few cities across Spain, Pamplona is without doubt the most popular scene for this madness. Each morning, in Pamplona, at 8am during the San Fermin festival, 6 huge bulls and a few oxen are released 800 metres from the town’s bullring. In essence, the rationale behind the movement of the bulls is to get them from A (where they slept in town) to B (where they’ll participate in the evening’s bullfight) but that’s not actually how it pans out!

Anyone who wants to get involved group together near where the bulls are to be let out, a rocket is set off and they start sprinting the 800m or so to the bullring. Shortly after another rocket goes off to let them know the bulls are coming, then it’s a foot race to the ring and the bulls normally win! Expect multiple injuries, drunken crowds, crazy bull runners and a lot of energy!

Is the Running of the Bulls dangerous? Running away from 6 angry, huge bulls? Yes, it is dangerous. Every year a couple of hundred of people get (minorly) injured from falling over, get trampled on, getting whacked by a bull and 15 people have died over the last 100 years or so (the most recent death was 2009, from goring – ouch!). That being said, thousands upon thousands of people are running so the chances are – you’ll be fine (*johnny holds no responsibility for any injuries incurred after reading this )

How much does it cost to run with the bulls? It’s FREEEEEEE! If you’re over 18 and (not too) drunk then you’re more than welcome to jump in.

Can I just watch?! Good choice Yeah you can, from behind the barriers but it’s tough to see anything unless you’re up high. Still an amazing atmosphere though.

How long does the run last? It’s fast, around 4 minutes. The bulls outrun the people so you gotta make sure you’re not in their way when they overtake you!

Where is Pamplona and how do I get there? The cheapest way is by bus guys, so that’s the way to go. About 4 hours from Madrid and 4 hours from Barcelona.  Trains run daily too but my choice is always the bus.

Alternatively if you need car hire Spain has a lot of options for that too.

Pamplona also has a small airport with connections to Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon but that will eat your budget.

NOTE: PETA (People for the ethical treatment of animals) are holding ‘Running of the Nudes’ each year on the 5^th of July, so get there a day early for a very different experience!

Check out this very real video for footage of the Running of the Bulls and imagine being there – new pants time!

Alright guys, I know this may not sit too well if some of my readers (sorry!) but I can’t wait to give this a bash. Let me know if anyone plans on hitting this up next year!

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1. Bucket List: La Tomatina
2. Bucket List: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Halicarnassus
3. Tuesday’s Travel Rant: Running with your backpack on

Tags: bucket list, festivals