When I arrived in Spain, the idea of running with the bulls wasn’t even on my radar. Sure, I had heard of the famous San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, where locals and tourists alike sprint down narrow streets ahead of charging bulls. But me, running with them? Not a chance—or so I thought.

This is the story of how a spontaneous decision led to one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Spoiler alert: It involved equal parts fear, excitement, and an unforgettable lesson in stepping out of my comfort zone.

The Vibrant Atmosphere of Pamplona

Pamplona during the San Fermín Festival is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The streets are awash in a sea of red and white—the traditional colors worn by festival-goers. Music fills the air as bands parade through the city, and the smell of grilled chorizo wafts from food stalls on every corner.

When I arrived, I intended to be a spectator, soaking in the energy and watching the encierro (the bull run) from a safe distance. But as I mingled with the crowd and heard stories from people who had run before, something shifted. They spoke of the adrenaline, the camaraderie, and the sense of accomplishment. I couldn’t help but wonder: Could I do it too?

Making the Decision

That night, I lay awake in my hostel, debating. Running with the bulls is not without risk. Every year, participants get injured, and the prospect of being trampled or gored was daunting. But the idea of pushing myself beyond my limits, of embracing this iconic cultural tradition, was too tempting to ignore.

By morning, I had made up my mind. I was going to run.

Preparing for the Run

Participating in the bull run isn’t as simple as showing up and sprinting. There are rules to follow and traditions to respect. For starters, you need to be dressed appropriately: white clothing with a red scarf and sash. Luckily, vendors around the city sell these items, so I quickly geared up.

I also took some time to observe the route. The encierro spans 875 meters, winding through Pamplona’s old town to the bullring. Certain sections are more dangerous than others, particularly the sharp turn at Dead Man’s Curve. Knowing the layout helped calm my nerves—slightly.

The Morning of the Run

The bull run begins at 8:00 AM, but participants start gathering as early as 6:00 AM. The atmosphere in the streets was electric, a mix of nervous anticipation and excitement. Strangers exchanged tips and shared stories, and I found myself bonding with a group of fellow first-timers.

As the clock ticked closer to 8:00, the crowd quieted for a moment of prayer to San Fermín, the festival’s patron saint. Then came the sound of a rocket—a signal that the bulls had been released from their pens. My heart pounded. It was time.

The Thrill of the Chase

When the bulls hit the streets, chaos erupted. People scattered in every direction, some sprinting with wild abandon, others hugging the walls to stay out of the way. I tried to keep a steady pace, glancing over my shoulder to gauge how close the bulls were.

The sound of hooves on cobblestones is something I’ll never forget—a deep, rhythmic pounding that grows louder as the bulls approach. When they came into view, my adrenaline surged. These were no ordinary animals; they were massive, powerful, and impossibly fast.

I managed to keep running, weaving through the crowd and narrowly avoiding a few close calls. At one point, a bull brushed past me, its sheer size and speed leaving me breathless. The entire run lasted only a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity.

The Finish Line

Reaching the bullring was a moment of pure relief and triumph. The crowd erupted in cheers as the last runners poured in, followed by the bulls. Despite my initial fear, I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment. I had faced my fears and lived to tell the tale.

Inside the bullring, participants gathered to celebrate, some hugging and laughing, others collapsing on the ground to catch their breath. The camaraderie was palpable, a shared bond forged in the heat of the moment.

Reflecting on the Experience

Running with the bulls isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s a cultural tradition steeped in history. The San Fermín Festival dates back centuries and is a celebration of community, courage, and the spirit of adventure. Participating gave me a deeper appreciation for the event and the people who make it so special.

That said, it’s not an experience to take lightly. The bulls are majestic but dangerous animals, and respect for them is paramount. The festival also raises questions about animal welfare, and it’s worth considering these issues before deciding to participate.

Tips for Future Runners

If you’re thinking about running with the bulls, here are a few tips to help you prepare:

1. Understand the Risks: The bull run is inherently dangerous. Be honest with yourself about your physical fitness and comfort level.
2. Follow the Rules: The organizers provide clear guidelines to keep participants safe. Read them carefully and adhere to them.
3. Start in a Safe Spot: Beginners should avoid the more challenging sections, like Dead Man’s Curve, and stick to the starting point near the Santo Domingo stretch.
4. Stay Alert: The crowd can be unpredictable, so keep your wits about you and be ready to move quickly.
5. Embrace the Spirit: Running with the bulls is as much about the camaraderie and cultural immersion as it is about the run itself. Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the experience.

Final Thoughts

Running with the bulls in Pamplona was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my travels. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, tested my limits, and gave me a newfound appreciation for Spain’s rich traditions.

Would I do it again? Probably not. But I’ll always cherish the memories—and the story I get to tell. For anyone considering this adventure, my advice is simple: respect the tradition, prepare well, and, most importantly, run like your life depends on it. Because in that moment, it truly does.