July 29, 2019

THE BULLS ON THE STREETS OF PENSACOLA

 THE Running Of The Bulls

On the morning of Saturday July 20th,  it was The Pensacola Running of the Bulls time that took place through the streets of downtown Pensacola, Florida. This event is modeled after the world famous Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona, Spain. Even though it was a cloudy overcast morning with rain in sight, the event drew a large turnout. As the runners took off, The Bulls were not far behind. Of course, the runners must make it through the harsh The Gauntlet at the end of their run.

Rules & Safety
( from https://pensabulls.com/about)

Run at Your Own Risk

Participants are not allowed to touch, push, kick, or otherwise physically engage the bulls. Bulls are only allowed to “gore” runners on the rear with their bats. Medical assistance is available for trips and falls.

Race-Day Attire

The traditional attire for San Fermin consists of a white shirt paired with white pants or shorts, a red neckerchief, and red sash or belt.  Here, it is recommended that all participants wear traditional attire to help the bulls distinguish race participants from onlookers. Alternatively, they can wear any bullfighting or Spanish-themed costume that gets them in the spirit – Viva San Fermin!

Sidewalk = Safety

The bulls are trained to avoid participants seeking safety on the sidewalks. The bulls have also been instructed not to strike a fallen runner on the pavement. Smart runners check their surroundings before standing up – colliding with a rolling bull is no fun!

The event brings out both young and old runners that are dressed in white and red. The Bulls are on rollerblades as they chase the runners throughout the streets of downtown Pensacola. If you are ever in the Pensacola during this event you should definitely attend. Or better yet, get chased by the bulls.

The starting line for The Running Of The Bulls
Racers gather for instructions and rules of the race.
One of the Bulls waiting at the start of the gauntlet.
Getting whacked at the gauntlet.