About Pamplona Bullrun

When is the bull run?

In Pamplona, 8 a.m. every morning July 7-14. 

What is the bull run?

The bull run or Encierro is the most famous tradition of Pamplona’s San Fermin festival. 12 bulls (6 tame steer and 6 wild toro bravo bulls) are released from holding corals and charge through the old city’s streets.

Who can run with the bulls?

Anyone sober over the age of 18 can run with the bulls. 

How long is the bull run?

0.51 miles or 825 metres & finishing in the Plaza de Toros. The entire run will last 2-3 minutes normally. 

How many people actually run with the bulls?

On any given day, between 2500 to 4500 people run with the bulls.

Over 1 million people attend the festival each year. 

How many bulls run?

15. The first wave consists of 6 tame steer and 6 wild black bulls. A second wave of 3 bulls is released 1-2 minutes after the first to collect any stray bulls. The steer are castrated and therefore quite tame. The black bulls, however, are bred for bullfighting so they are highly agressive. The bulls are purchased from ranches across Spain. Locals read the daily bull stats as closely as handicappers at a track and often debate the merits of a certain breed or ranch. 

Can I take pictures while running with the bulls?

Absolutely NOT as it’s too dangerous.

Where do the bulls come from?

The wild black bulls are Miuras, the most famous breed of fighting bulls in Spain. Ranches all over Spain breed Miuras specifically for bullfighting and are representatives of Pamplona’s Plaza de Toros or bullring carefully select about 48 full-grown bulls six months before the festival. The bulls live in open pastures for four years before being transported to Pamplona. 

Why is there a bull run?

The tradition dates back to medieval times when bulls were herded through Pamplona’s streets to the local bullring. Locals helped drive the bulls. Running behind the bulls became running in front of the bulls.

Do I have to pay to run with the bulls?

No. You do not have to pay to run with the bulls. 

Is the bull run dangerous?

Yes. Not only will you be running with 12-15 bulls each weighing approximately 1.5 tons, there is also the danger or tripping and falling over fellow runners. Since 1924 there have been 15 recorded deaths. The last person killed during the bull run was 22-year old Daniel Jimeno Romero on July 10th 2009.