Thousands of tourists flock to Pamplona, Spain to join in
the Running of the Bulls. Unfortunately, many runners are uninformed and unprepared for
their first – and likely only – dance with death. If you intend to join the legions
of frenzied bull runners at the San Fermin Festival, you need to plan your
route accordingly. There are certain segments of the 875-meter course, like La
Curva, that are best left to the experts. If this will be your inaugural run,
don’t even consider running The Curve, one of the most dangerous sections that
is always riddled with accidents and serious injuries.
Tips for running La Curva
La Curva is located at the corner of Calle Mercaderes and
Calle Estafeta. It is widely considered one of the best spots to watch the
morning bull runs for good reason. The Curve features a treacherous 90 degree
turn that has wildly chaotic results as the bulls fly into this sharp curve at
top speeds.
Due to the high numbers of gorings, tramplings and bloody
mishaps at La Curva, the Pamplonese have dubbed it ‘Hamburger Wall’ and ‘Dead
Man’s Corner.’ If you are a first-timer and still choose to run La Curva, you
are taking enormous and unnecessary risks.
Dead Man’s Corner is not for beginners
For those who have a few Pamplona bull runs under their
belt, there is a trusted strategy developed by American Joe Distler that can
improve your odds of coming out of Hamburger Wall intact and unharmed. In fact,
locals have been using it for decades. This old technique has you standing in a
doorway on the left side as you enter The Curve. Once the herd hits the wall, start
running at a fast clip. Sprint them up
the cobbled street as far as you safely can, while keeping your eyes peeled for
a lone straggler.
For an extra dose of adrenaline and danger, the more
experienced runners will position themselves in a doorway on the left, about
half way up Calle Mercaderes. Veteran mozos will sprint up the backs of the
bulls just after the herd rampages past. When the beasts – usually still in
tight formation– hit the wall, swing out around them, just inches ahead of the
horns. Run with them a good 30-50 yards, as you hear a virtual tsunami of
cheers.
Get expert bull running tips
The unrivaled revelry of San Fermin pauses every morning for the bull runs. View the Pamplona Bull Run map for more details. For expert advice, runner’s tips, and much more, be sure to check out our premier Bull Runner’s Club. If you are more interested in watching instead of joining the run be sure to look into our Pamplona balcony rentals.