Anyone 18 years or older is permitted to run with the bulls in Pamplona. However, it is important to note that the police are very vigilant and will immediately pull anyone out who breaks the rules, either before or during the Bull Run (encierro). The most important rules include:
- No intoxicated runners
- No electronics (photo or video cameras, phones, mp3 players etc.)
- No high heel shoes, flip flops or other sandals
- No touching of the bulls (You may see some runners do this but it is seen as disrespectful to the animal and will be punished by aficionados and the police alike.)
- Anyone standing in front of the start line will be removed from the Bull Run (encierro) course at 7:00 a.m. The line is located on Mercaderes Street so that anyone between Santo Domingo and the beginning of Mercaderes will be eligible to run. Many people line up in Estafeta Street but they will all be disqualified. Runners are given time to spread out throughout the entire course before the Bull Run starts. Before 7:00 a.m. however, you must wait behind the start line. This is done to limit the total number of runners each day.