How to Run with the Bulls!
June 11, 2025
“The Running of the Bulls occurs annually in July in Pamplona, Spain.”
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The Running of the Bulls occurs annually in July in Pamplona, Spain. Each year more than one million people gather to witness brave individuals run through the streets of the capital of Navarre as they’re chased by six large powerful bulls.
Spanish bull-running has a lengthy history. According to The Running of the Bulls, which promotes the festival overseas and helps to educate runners and tourists, the event that has become the most recognizable component of the San Fermin Festival can be traced to the thirteenth century. The festival of San Fermin honors the co-patron saint of Pamplona, and while bull-running is a secular endeavor, the two traditions merged over time. The San Fermin Festival was moved from September to July in 1591, and the running of the bulls has taken place nearly every year ever since. Certain developments, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic and World War II, led to the cancellation of the running of the bulls.
A high-adrenaline experience that requires planning, here’s how you can run with the bulls:
Choose the Right Dates
- San Fermín Festival Dates: July 6–14 every year.
- The bull runs happen daily at 8:00 AM, from July 7 to July 14.
Travel & Accommodation
- Book Early: Pamplona is packed during this week hotels sell out months in advance.
- Fly into: Madrid, Bilbao, or Barcelona, then take a train or bus to Pamplona.
No Registration
- Surprisingly, no official registration is required to run. It’s free and open to the public.
- But you must meet these criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Run sober (no alcohol or drugs)
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear (no flip-flops or backpacks)
What to Wear
- Traditional outfit: White shirt and pants with a red sash and neckerchief
- Good running shoes (grip matters!)
Where to Line Up
- Arrive around 6:30–7:00 AM to enter the course before it’s sealed off.
- The run is about 875 meters (roughly half a mile), from Calle Santo Domingo to the bullring.
- Different starting spots vary in danger—Calle Estafeta is popular but tricky, Dead Man’s Curve (La Curva) is infamous.
Run Rules
- Don’t touch the bulls.
- Run in the same direction as the bulls.
- If you fall, stay down and cover your head until someone taps you—standing up can be dangerous.
Safety Considerations
- Serious injuries happen yearly.
- Bulls are real, fast, and dangerous—know your limits.
- Consider watching once before running to get a feel for it.
Consider a Tour Company
If you prefer more support or want to observe in safety, several companies offer:
- Balcony viewing spots
- Guided run prep sessions
