Wondering if this guide will actually help you survive running with the bulls in Pamplona? Probably not but hey, it’s better than nothing!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the route, where to position yourself, the timing, what to bring, and everything you need to know before starting this CRAZY 875mt adventure on the San Fermín Festival. I ran the Encierro in 2023, and I’m still here to tell the tale 🙂

What is San Fermín?

San Fermín is a traditional festival held every year in Pamplona (Spain) from July 6th to July 14th. It honors Saint Fermín, the patron saint of Pamplona, who is celebrated with a week full of events including music, parades, fireworks, and cultural activities. The festival attracts thousands of visitors (over 1.6 million) from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of tradition, excitement, and adrenaline.

What is the Encierro?

The Encierro (literally “the running-in”) is the famous Running of the Bulls event that takes place each morning during the San Fermín festival, from July 7th to July 14th at 8 a.m.

Participants run through the streets of Pamplona ahead of a group of bulls (6 fighting bulls + 6 steers), leading them to the bullring. It’s a high-risk tradition that requires courage, quick reflexes, and respect for safety rules… and yes, it is opened to everyone.

The Encierro is both thrilling and dangerous, and it has become an iconic symbol of the San Fermín festival. Are you ready to learn more about it?

The Schedule

If you want to participate in the Encierro, make sure to be on the route no later than 7:30 a.m.

Otherwise, be aware that if you don’t want to run (or you’re unsure) but are already on the route at 8:00 a.m., it’s too late to leave, all the accesses are already closed and…you have to run! This happened to my friend Fabrizio, whom we send our greetings!

The Route of the Encierro – From Start to Finish

The Encierro follows a route of approximately 875 meters through the narrow streets of the old town. You might be thinking… only 875 meters?
Yes. But I can guarantee they’ll be the longest 875 meters of your life, and they’ll feel like they last 8,75 years!

The bulls are kept in this spot near the corral at Cuesta de Santo Domingo, it’s where the run starts. The run then ends inside the Plaza de Toros (the bullring). Let’s break down the path step by step now!

1. Santo Domingo
This is where it all begins. The bulls are released from their pens at the bottom of Cuesta de Santo Domingo and charge uphill. It’s a narrow and intense stretch where emotions (and adrenaline) run high, here the bulls are FULL of energy and reach their maximum speed!

2. Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square)
After the initial sprint, we pass in front of Pamplona’s iconic City Hall. The street opens slightly here, but the crowd (This spot is extremely crowded usually) and chaos don’t ease up. It’s still early, and the bulls are fast.

3. Calle Mercaderes
I defined this part “The calm before the storm” because what happens next will test every runner’s nerve.

4. La Curva (Dead Man’s Corner)
This sharp turn from Mercaderes into Calle Estafeta is notorious. The bulls often lose traction and crash into the outer wall. If you’re not experienced, stay away from the inside curve, as I did… it’s no joke. After all, they don’t call it Dead Man’s Corner for nothing!

5. Calle Estafeta
The longest straight stretch. Runners try to pace themselves here, some even managing to run alongside the bulls for a few seconds. The street is slightly uphill and lined with barriers full of spectators. The worst is over, maybe.

6. Telefónica & Callejón
As the bulls approach the end of Estafeta, the path narrows again into the callejón, a tight funnel leading into the bullring. It’s dangerous, often packed with lots of people, and has limited escape options…This is the place where you absolutely must not fall!

7. Plaza de Toros
The final destination. Once the bulls and runners enter the bullring, the Encierro officially ends… But if you think you’re safe now, you’re wrong! As soon as you enter, don’t relax because there could still be bulls arriving in the arena.

I was taking some selfies with my friend when suddenly a bull came unexpectedly close to us! You have to climb over the fence to find space inside the arena.

It’s fun to hang out in the area, but keep an eye on your shoulders 🙂

Are you still curious and still want to do it?

Finding Your Place: The Best Positions

After watching the video, let’s try to figure out the best position to be in.

I was there early in the morning, around 7:00 a.m., for one simple reason: to find the best position.

I spoke with many people, like 20 I’m not exaggerating …some were first-timers like me, while others had been running the Encierro every single day for the past 20 years.

To all of them, I asked, “Is there a safe spot to start from?”
All of them, without exception, replied, “Obviously not, the run isn’t safe from any starting point you choose.” Clear no?

So, let’s make some considerations. There are 6 spots to start from, I’m excluding Plaza de Toros since it’s the final stage and it doesn’t make sense to start there.

• At the first two points (Santo Domingo & Plaza del Ayuntamiento), I saw a lot of professional runners…I mean people who do this every year and are experts at it. Here, the bulls are full of energy as well. If it’s your first time, probably not the best choice, right?
• The third point (Calle Mercaderes) could be considered “calm” since the bulls are losing some energy and there’s a bit more space on the street. It might be the perfect spot, but what if you run too fast and end up arriving at Dead Man’s Corner with the bulls? I decided to skip this spot to avoid starting to run too early because of adrenaline and meeting the bulls where you really don’t want to be…
• The fourth spot is La Curva (The Dead Man’s Corner). Being in this spot during the bulls’ run is absolutely CRAZY. Whether you’re an expert or it’s your first time, if you start from this point and send me a photo of you dodging bulls falling right on you… you’ll have my endless respect!
• The fifth and sixth points (Calle Estafeta & Callejón) are maybe the best places to be when the bulls run alongside you. Here, there’s enough space to keep eye contact with them (don’t fall in love!) and to understand where you’re running. The bulls are exhausted and run more slowly compared to the first part of the route.

If you want to increase your chances of coming out of the run unscathed, in my opinion, you should aim to position yourself between Calle Estafeta, Telefónica, and Callejón.

This area offers more space, slower bulls, and better opportunities to stay aware of your surroundings, making it the safest spot during the Encierro. And…from that area we survived!

What to Carry During the Encierro

You need to be extremely comfortable. That means running shoes, shorts, and a short-sleeved shirt preferably white. Does the white shirt have any effect on the bulls? Well, not really but it definitely makes you look the part and shows you’re part of the tradition!

Also, it’s considered good luck to wear the traditional red foular (scarf) of San Fermín, so don’t forget to tie one around your neck!

And that’s it! Keep it simple and light to stay agile and cool during the run.

What NOT to Bring

• Fanny packs or waist bags: they can easily fall off during the run and become a hazard.
• Jackets: you might get caught or trip over them if you fall.
• Sweatshirts: no need for them, you’ll warm up quickly while running.
• Phone: absolutely no phones! Carrying one can get you fined up to €3,000.
• Cameras: It’s illegal and dangerous. Running with a camera can limit your movements and increase the risk of falls or accidents.

The Corrida

What’s the best way to conclude your experience in Pamplona? Join the corrida, this time not as a torero but as a spectator in the Plaza de Toros.

The corrida, or Spanish bullfight, traces its roots back over 400 years to the early 16th century. It evolved from ancient bullfighting traditions that existed in the Iberian Peninsula, influenced by Roman gladiatorial games and medieval knightly tournaments.

You can buy tickets online, at the ticket offices (at least the day before), or from “scalpers” reselling them in front of the Plaza de Toros.

Whether you’re for or against this centuries-old tradition, in my opinion, it’s worth seeing it firsthand to get an even clearer idea and form your own opinion.

When you step onto the streets of Pamplona for the Encierro, you’re not just running with bulls but you’re running with centuries of passion, courage, and unforgettable memories.

Stay sharp, respect the tradition, and live to tell the tale.

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