Experience the thrill of being chased — the San Fermín Running of the Bulls in Spain kicks off in 7 days

▲ At the Pamplona Running of the Bulls, the breed and speed of the bulls vary each day. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe Sanfermin fan page)

By Everlyn

From a distance, the Pamplona bull run looks quite short — just 850 meters, or half a mile.

But with six half-ton bulls charging toward you with their sharp, intimidating horns, the run becomes an unforgettable moment for participants — full of excitement, bravery, and bragging rights, though sometimes also tragedy.

▲ The Pamplona Running of the Bulls, with the crowd surging in. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe Sanfermin fan page)

▲ The Pamplona Running of the Bulls kicks off on the 7th. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe Sanfermin fan page)

The origins of the festival in this northern Spanish city date back 400 years, but it became world-famous after Ernest Hemingway mentioned the Pamplona Running of the Bulls in his 1920s novel “The Sun Also Rises.” It’s said that Hemingway’s grandson has even published an ebook teaching peoplehow to survive the bull run (Fiesta: How To Survive The Bulls Of Pamplona).

▲ The Pamplona Running of the Bulls. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe Sanfermin fan page)

The San Fermín Running of the Bulls swells Pamplona’s usual population of 200,000 threefold each year. This year’s festival runs from July 7 to July 14, a total of eight days, with daily runs starting at 8 AM. Thousands of foreign tourists crowd onto balconies or behind barriers to watch excitedly. Others join the bulls in the run, which still results in many injuries or even fatal dangers every year. Yet the crowds keep coming, drawing travelers from far and wide to take part.