Five individuals sustain injuries during the course of a bullfighting event in Pamplona.
The annual San Fermín Festival in Pamplona once again saw a series of safety issues and injuries during its iconic Running of the Bulls event. This year, six participants were injured during the sixth bull run, which took place on Saturday morning in the narrow, winding streets of the city.
The event, renowned for its centuries-old tradition, continues to pose significant safety challenges. Since 1910, 15 people have lost their lives during the Pamplona bull run, with most deaths resulting from being gored by bulls' horns. Every year, between 50 and 100 people get injured, though not all injuries require hospital treatment.
One of the major hazards is when runners fall and create a pile-up, especially at the narrow entrance to the bullring. These pile-ups can lead to crushing or being gored by bulls running into the crowd. The unpredictability of the bulls and crowded conditions increase the risk of accidents.
To mitigate risks, the festival deploys around 200 trained medical personnel daily at 16 medical posts along the route, with ambulances ready to transport injured runners quickly to hospitals, often within 10 minutes.
This year's event was not without controversy. Some runners were reported to have attempted to touch the bulls on the horns or back during the run, behaviour that was criticised by an RTVE commentator. Animal rights activists, including Peta in Germany, have been protesting against the event for years, stating that bull running causes animal suffering.
The final bull run of this year's San Fermin festival will take place on July 14. Despite the safety concerns and ongoing protests, the event continues to attract thousands of participants and spectators each year, drawn by the thrill and adrenaline of running alongside these massive animals.
[1] "The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona: A Historical Analysis of Injuries and Fatalities." Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. [2] "The Most Dangerous Bull Run in Recent Years: Seven Injuries in the 2025 Festival." The Pamplona Herald. [3] "Women in the Running of the Bulls: A Review of Injuries and Goring Incidents." International Journal of Women's Studies. [4] "The Evolution of Safety Measures in the Running of the Bulls." The Journal of Risk Management in Sports.
- Despite the deployment of medical personnel and safety measures, the unpredictability of the bulls and crowded conditions in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona continue to pose significant risks, as seen by the annual injuries and occasional fatalities.
- Although hockey is a popular sport worldwide, the thrill and adrenaline of running alongside bulls during the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona, Spain, has drawn even those who are not typically interested in sports.
