In Bull Runner's BlogThe Hillmann Column By Bill Hillmann This is my inaugural column for RunningoftheBulls.com. This column will be the most in-depth look into the culture of bull running in Spain in the English language. It will appear here monthly throughout the year and daily during the fiesta of San Fermin in Pamplona. Over the past 15 years, I’ve run with the bulls over 300 times all across Spain. I’ve written two books on the culture, Mozos and the forthcoming The Pueblos and I’ve been a subject of a few documentaries both in Spain and the USA, my journalism and commentary on the culture has appeared in the biggest outlets on the planet. All that said, my greatest asset is that I am a student of…
In Bull Runner's BlogDeath-defying pursuits are part and parcel for country music singer Roger Creager, whose thrill-seeking ways led him to straight to Pamplona this year for another chance to run with the bulls. Along with a willing group of buddies, the award-winning songwriter hit the crowded streets of Pamplona for the yearly San Fermin Festival, renowned for its epic all-night parties that make Mardi Gras seem like child’s play. Creager, a born thrill-seeker, joins the 2019 bull run The 2019 Running of the Bulls was not Creager’s first dance with danger. This was the fourth time that the country singer donned a red bandana alongside hundreds of other daredevils. As amazing as the experience was, Creager concedes that he’s probably not doing…
In Bull Runner's BlogVolunteer matadors are ready to roll with bully breed dogs at Columbia Park in Shreveport at the second annual “Rolling with the Bulls” – a fun twist on Pamplona’s famous Running of the Bulls. The family-friendly event is sponsored by Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation and Caddo Parish Animal Services, along with numerous organizations that want to bring attention to naturally-protective bully breed dogs that are often overlooked for adoption, as well as spay and neuter programs available in the area. Rolling with the Bulls to raise awareness of bully breed dogs Members of the Shreveport-Bossier's own roller derby team, the Twin City Rollers, will play the part of “bulls” on skates at this fun event, scheduled for Saturday, August…
In Bull Runner's BlogThe possibility of suffering life-threatening wounds are part and parcel of the Running of the Bulls – Spain’s largest and most famous bull running event. The San Fermin Festival runs for nine days in Pamplona every July, and each year dozens of people are seriously hurt as they navigate the twisting cobblestoned streets with six massive bulls that will be fought later that day. This high-adrenaline tradition lures daredevils and thrill-seekers who risk life and limb for a chance to run with Spanish fighting bulls that, with the flick of a horn, can cause crippling injury or even death. While the majority of runners in the ‘encierros’ hail from Spain, increasing numbers of Aussies, Brits, Americans, and other foreign nationals…
In Bull Runner's BlogIs the Pamplona bull run too safe? According to some veteran participants, the traditional festivity is losing its thrills and heart-pounding moments, despite the fact that life-threatening gorings and numerous injuries still happen every year. Precautions taken to increase bull run safety This past July, experienced runners staged a protest just before a Thursday morning encierro. Their complaint: that recent measures and safety precautions have downgraded the excitement in this annual adrenaline-fest. And while it’s still incredibly dangerous to run with the bulls, your chances of being harmed or even killed may be slightly lower. What has changed to improve Pamplona bull run safety? For the last 10 years, officials have applied a special adherent on the cobblestoned streets to…
In Bull Runner's BlogA California man made headlines for bull run selfie gone horribly wrong when he was almost killed during the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain this summer. Jaime Alvarez, who practices law in San Francisco, had completed the 875-meter run unscathed and decided to make a quick selfie video as a keepsake. Near-Death Bull Run Selfie That decision proved almost fatal for the 46-year old Alvarez, who was brutally gored by a bull that seemingly came out of nowhere. The bull’s horn plunged into the right side of the American’s neck, fracturing part of his cheekbone. Alvarez didn’t realize the severity of his wounds until he felt a gush of blood running down his face. Alvarez was whisked away…
In Bull Runner's BlogExperienced runners argue that the adrenaline high of the annual Running of the Bulls has diminished greatly in recent years. Protesters staged a sit-in on Day 5 of the annual Spanish festival, claiming that the world-famous encierros lack the danger and thrills of years past. Early in the morning of Thursday July 11, dozens of veteran runners gathered on the course to protest what they label a “denaturing” of the Pamplona bull runs, which are undoubtedly the main draw of the 9-day San Fermin Festival. 2019 Pamplona bull run protest The veteran bull runner protest didn’t last long, but their message was loud and clear. The spine-tingling excitement of running with the bulls is gone, in large part to…
In Bull Runner's BlogTorrential rain sparked flash floods in Navarra this past July, as the Cidacos River breached its banks, inundating the region with more than four meters of water in less than 6 hours. The deadly floodwaters affected multiple towns in northern Spain, including La Rioja, Olite, Aragon, Castille, Valencia, and Pamplona – home of the San Fermin Festival. Canceled bull run caused by heavy flooding The heavy downpour prompted officials to cancel the Tuesday morning bull run – an iconic part of the annual festivities in Pamplona. According to government reports, Navarra was overwhelmed with four times as much rain as had been originally forecast. Many of the region’s secondary roads were closed due to the water damage, and railways near…
In Bull Runner's BlogWashington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman pursued one of his most thrilling bucket list items this summer. The NFL player ventured to Pamplona, Spain, for the 2019 Running of the Bulls, an iconic feature of the San Fermin Festival. The 31-year-old Norman is a veteran globetrotter, using his off-season months to explore sights across the world. According to previous interviews, the NFL player uses his worldly travels and amazing experiences abroad to shape his knowledge. Josh Norman Bull Run As if running with six massive bulls wasn’t dangerous enough for Norman, he decided to up the ante by literally leaping over the beasts in the bullring. The cornerback channeled all his energy to jump not once – but twice – over…
In Bull Runner's BlogVeteran bull runner Dennis Clancey recaps highlights from the Pamplona Bull Run July 11. During the 8-day festival, as many as 3,000 people participate in the morning encierros, and today’s event was packed with hundreds of excited partakers ready for the run of their lives. The July 11 bull run is the fourth encierro of the season, pitting runners against the Jandilla bulls from Merida. The Jandilla ranch is known for producing strong, aggressive bulls that have been responsible for numerous gorings in Pamplona over the years. Pamplona Bull Run July 11th – Zero Gorings Pamplonese and seasoned bull runners were worried about the Jandilla bulls acting unpredictably, as they have in past encierros. This particular stock has gored more…
