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San Fermín 2025 Preparations for Running Lockdowns: Boy Runners' Requirements

To join San Fermín 2025, registration and payment aren't necessary. However, you need to adhere to specific rules. Here are the requirements you should know.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
To join San Fermín 2025, payment and registration are not necessary, but there are some rules to...
To join San Fermín 2025, payment and registration are not necessary, but there are some rules to abide by. Here's a rundown of the requirements.

San Fermín 2025 Preparations for Running Lockdowns: Boy Runners' Requirements

5-minute read. Each year, the city of Pamplona transforms, as red and white attire drips from clotheslines, the streets are cleared for festivities, and runners hone their skills before the starting gun fires. Run for tradition, run for ancestors, or simply run for the thrill.

The winding medieval street of Santo Domingo in Pamplona's old town is the stage for a unique spectacle on July 7th at 7:45 AM. The crimson sea of handkerchiefs hung out to dry signals the number of runners preparing to charge through Navarre's capital. A mixed crowd of local newcomers, seasoned veterans, and foreign enthusiasts eager for a taste of tradition and adrenaline make up the bustling horde of runners.

Yet, what sets these participants apart?

Embarking on the encierros involves careful preparation. Each runner must strategize their start and finish points, consider their physical condition, and factor in the entrance timings to the bull run.

Who are the runners?

On average, 2,500 people run the encierro on weekdays during Sanfermines, a number that swells to 4,000 on weekends. However, not everyone can claim the title of a "runner," as more than 1,000 enthusiasts enter the ring hundreds of meters away from the bull herd with a one-minute advantage over the astados.

The majority of participants are men, with 70% between the ages of 20 and 35, while 10% are under 20, and the remaining 20% are over 35. Only 6% of participants are women. Hugo Zabalza, a 28-year-old Pamplonés with eight encierros under his belt, shares his insights, "To run, you have to be fresh—both mentally and physically." He adds, "Every run is a world. It's part of the essence and culture, and we wouldn't have the same value without that fear or respect for the bull."

When it comes to the origin of participants, 40% hail from Pamplona or Navarre, 30% come from other parts of Spain, and 30% are foreign, mainly from English-speaking countries.

The actual run lasts approximately 2.5 minutes, but the congestion of the streets ensures that no participant can cover the 850-meter length. Hugo Zabalza offers advice for newbies to observe runners on their stretch and learn from them, though doing so can be challenging due to the sheer number of participants.

Few Learning Points from the Guidelines

  1. Choose Your Stretch Wisely: With the understanding that it's impossible to run the entire course, participants should select the stretch that best suits their abilities and pace.
  2. Don't Hinder Yourself or Others: Avoid wearing clothes or accessories that could hinder movement, and never stand still or loiter during the run as these actions could create dangerous pile-ups.
  3. Stay Alert: Runners must avoid wearing headphones, using cameras, or taking any substances that would impair judgment or reaction times. Staying focused on your surroundings is crucial for staying safe.
  4. Know the Route: Participants should familiarize themselves with the route's key turns, especially Dead Man’s Curve, to navigate safely.
  5. React Quickly: In case of an accident, stay down and cover your head until help arrives, never trying to get up immediately.
  6. No Shortcuts: Do not attempt to run against the direction of the bulls, touch them, or deviate from the straight route designed for the run.
  7. Obey Authorities: Police and other officials enforce strict rules during the run, and ignoring their instructions can lead to dangerous situations.
  8. Medical Support: Medical teams are positioned along the route to respond quickly to injuries, which include bruises, sprains, and occasional gorings.

Bearing in mind the high-risk nature of the San Fermin bull run, safety is a top priority. Partaking in the event is not a decision to be taken lightly, and participants must take personal responsibility to minimize the risks involved while ensuring each run is conducted with unparalleled excitement and the essence of tradition.

Participants in the San Fermin bull run are a diverse group, with an average of 2,500 runners on weekdays and 4,000 on weekends. Among them, most are men aged between 20 and 35. Interestingly, sports enthusiasts who participate in the event also come from various backgrounds; 40% hail from Pamplona or Navarre, 30% come from other parts of Spain, and 30% are foreign, primarily from English-speaking countries.

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