If you're looking for the thrill of a lifetime, running with the bulls should be near the top of your list! Thousands of tourists flock to Spain each year to run with the bulls, but it isn't exactly a walk in the park - it's actually an extremely dangerous sport!
Running of the Bulls - History
The running of the bulls takes place every July during the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain. Traditionally, the public has an opportunity to run with the bulls down a half-mile stretch of cobbled road, which ends in a bull fighting ring. It happens at 8AM every morning for a week straight and each race lasts two to three minutes. The run started in the mid-1800s when officials would take the bulls from the edge of town to the bull ring in the center of the city. Before long, people started to join the bulls in the run.
Running of the Bulls - Safety
There are plenty of risks going into this event. Participating in the run means risking a pile-up, which can lead to injury or death of both the bulls and the runners. With so many people running in a panic, it can be complete chaos out there. As part of the preparation for the annual event, barricades are placed on each side of the streets so people can easily exit the race.
Running of the Bulls - How to Run
There are a few key things to remember about participating in the running of the bulls. You should never try to catch a bull's attention because a bull runs down the path as fast as possible until it reaches its destination. If it is distracted, it will separate from the rest of the bulls and that could spell trouble! Other ways you can avoid injury and chaos is to avoid touching the bulls, run behind them, and make sure not to bother the drovers who lead the bulls to the arena.
Running of the Bulls - Did U Know?
- You must be over 18 years old if you want to run with the bulls.
- A rocket goes off to alert the runners and spectators that the bulls have been released to the street.
- If you are going to play the part, you might as well look the part. Nearly everyone who participates wears white pants, a white T-shirt, a red belt and a red handkerchief.
- Legendary author Ernest Hemingway wrote numerous novels about the San Fermin Festival.
- You can only start the run at the starting line, you can't join it half way through.
- 15 people have died in the past 100 years while running with the bulls. A few hundred people have suffered from serious injuries as well.
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