Tips on

Running with the Bulls

Advice
on running
with the bulls

My first advice

Talk yourself out of it

The risks to body and life are real. You will be playing Pamplona roulette. By dropping out, you won't be a coward. You'll be wise.

If you do decide to

run with the bulls,

I've prepared for you

some tips that locals know,

but few tourists do

Sleep

Get a good night's sleep and be completely sober. Late-night partying will slow down your reflexes and impair your judgment.

Shoes

Wear shoes with good traction to keep from slipping on the cobblestone streets. And, because it's early in the morning, the stones could be damp with dew.

Your starting point

Unless you're a seasoned bull runner, don't begin your mad dash from where the angry bulls are released (near Cuesta de Santo Domingo). Instead, pick a starting position on the home stretch (Calle Estafeta). The closer to the bullring, the better. You will reduce the time you are in harm's way. As a bonus, the bulls will likely be a tad more tired.

Stray

Be especially weary of a bull that has separated from the pack. It's more likely to do the unexpected, like suddenly turning to attack you.

Corners

Navigate corners on their inner, not outer sides. A bull's momentum usually takes him (and his horns) to the outer side.

Tripping

Besides being alert for the bulls behind you, watch out for falling runners in front of you. You don't want to become part of a chain-reaction tripping.

Play dead

If you fall down and a bull is behind you, don't get up. Play dead. Bulls are genetically programmed to charge a moving body.

Good luck and have fun!

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Pamplona web pages

I hope your Spain travel dreams come true - and

that my Tips On Running With The Bulls page is helpful

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications