How To Run With The Bulls

Learn How to Run with the Bulls Online (Plus Book Club Prep)

Whether you’re an aspiring runner or a seasoned veteran, you’re in the right place.

We’ve hosted thousands of guests over the years that have decided to make the life-changing decision to run with the bulls. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is one of the most thrilling and historically rich experiences in the world. During this cultural event, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of runners sprint ahead of six Spanish fighting bulls along cobblestone streets in the heart of Pamplona. Though the encierro only lasts a few minutes, understanding how it works, what to expect, and how to prepare separates a successful run from a dangerous one.

What the Bull Run Is

The Pamplona bull run happens each year between July 7th thru 14th at 8:00 AM. However, runners arrive as early as 6:30 AM to begin warming up for the run. The bull run takes place across approximately 0.5 miles of those cobblestone streets. Due to the incredible speed of the bulls (around 25 mph), they pass through crowds rapidly, and most runners only actually run around 50-100 yards.

The Running of the Bulls has taken place for several hundreds of years — it’s a tradition held in honor of Saint Fermin, an early Christian saint who was born in Pamplona in 272 AD and martyred in 303 AD. Because of its religious meaning, the encierro is much more than just a thrilling run. For locals and practicers of the Catholic faith, the San Fermin bull run is a hallowed event that begins with prayer and reflection, and the run itself is being a part of something more.

Many of these runners have run with bulls during San Fermin for decades, learning at a young age how to run with the bulls and the culture of respect for faith and other runners. These runners have often ran tens or even hundreds of times, and know the bull run like the back of their hands. Because of this, these veteran encierro runners are treated with respect on the route by all, and can even become local celebrities. These runners’ knowledge allows them to take on the most dangerous sections of the Pamplona bull run, so while they should be treated with respect by other runners — it’s best not follow directly in their footsteps if it’s your first attempt.

Basic Preparation & Safety Tips for Running with the Bulls

• Arrive early to the run and get in position in front of Pamplona Town Hall. If you try to start the run elsewhere, you’ll be kicked out of the run.
• Prioritize safety over bravado, and don’t touch the bulls (especially the horns — we’ve witnessed a lot of unknowing folks be arrested for this and/or beat up by the veteran crowd).
• Know your exit points and walk the run ahead of time to familiarize yourself with where you’ll run. Our Bull Run Route Tour (included in all packages) is the best way to learn where to run, where to exit, and discuss your strategy with professional runners.
• Understand the rules and avoid prohibited actions on the run, like touching the bulls’ horns. Join our Bull Runner’s Guide mailing list below to learn more about the mistakes you should avoid.

Join the Running of the Bulls Book Club with Veteran Runner, Dr. Bill Hillmann

Bill has run with the bulls in Pamplona each year since 2005, originally inspired by The Sun Also Rises. On July 9, 2014, a bull gored Hillmann twice in the thigh at the festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, but he returned to bull-running in Pamplona in 2015. In the summer of 2016, he ran with the bulls more than 200 times in towns throughout Spain. His experience as both a veteran bull runner and his position as an Assistant Professor of English and Communication at East-West University make him a perfect fit to lead the Running of the Bulls Book Club.

In March-May 2026, the Running of the Bulls Book Club hosts an 8-week, instructor-led exploration of Hemingway’s classic work. This book club was created to expand your understanding of San Fermín, the Encierro, the bullfighting tradition, and the cultural forces that continue to define the festival. The club will meet one evening per week and offer you a certificate of completion and a special San Fermin neck scarf (Pañuelo). It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow travelers and learn more about the bull run — in both a literary and practical sense.

Get our 6 Common Bull Running Mistakes email series

Sign up for our free mini crash course and learn how to avoid the most serious mistakes made by most first-time bull runners in Pamplona. These are the key things everyone wished they had known before attempting to run with the bulls. Nothing will guarantee a safe run but there are several things that reduce your chances of getting badly injured. For example, the guys trying to get up again before the bulls have passed are risking a goring in the neck. Our mini series teaches you about some of these things.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Advice you can trust

There’s a lot of advice out there on how to run with the bulls; from books to blogs, to people you meet – everyone wants to share their advice, but it’s difficult to know whose you can trust. Running of the Bulls, Inc. solved this problem by partnering with well-known runners; experts in bull running, whose stories have been well documented through publications and news. All of our content has been reviewed by actual, experienced bull runners.

Dennis Clancey

Now with over 100 runs (in Pamplona alone), Dennis is currently the most famous active American expert on the San Fermin bull run. His technique and consistency make him a stand-out runner on the course each morning. There is no non-Spanish bull-runner to be found ‘running on the horns of the bulls’ more often than him on the streets today. Every single one of our main packages comes with a bull run route tour led by Dennis and his team to prepare you for the encierro. Dennis also hosts personal meetings over Zoom to prepare you for the run — contact our team to learn more!

Dr. Bill Hillmann

Bill has run with the bulls in Pamplona each year since 2005, originally inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book The Sun Also Rises. In the summer of 2016, he ran with the bulls more than 200 times in towns throughout Spain. On July 9, 2014, a bull gored Hillmann twice in the thigh at the festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, but he returned to bull-running in Pamplona in 2015. Today, Bill is a professor at East-West University, a well-regarded author and storyteller, and the host of our Running of the Bulls Book Club.

A Bull Runner’s Book Club – An Online Community for Learning

Every day in Pamplona we see dreams crushed when hundreds of people get disqualified from the bull run before it even begins. While the concept is pretty simple – stay away from the bull and run for your life – actually participating takes forethought and knowledge of the event. The city of Pamplona publishes the rules in Spanish on their website but they are of little use because they don’t tell you how to run, only how not to get disqualified.

The Running of the Bulls Book Club provides a literary introduction to the significance of the Encierro for first-time bull runners. You’ll have the opportunity to glean insider tips from someone who’s run the gauntlet in Pamplona many times and wants to share their passion for the event.

Looking for guidance on how to prepare for the most exhilarating run of your life? Want to network with other bull run aficionados and swap tips and stories? Need assistance planning the perfect trip to Pamplona and beautiful Basque Country? You’re in the right place!

Running of the Bulls – Features of the Online Book Club

Our online book club led by Dr. Bill Hillmann is an interactive way to learn about the running of the bulls, share your experiences with others, and make new friends. Get in-depth advice on the Running of the Bulls, plus everything you need to know about the World’s Largest Fiesta™!

The Running of the Bulls Book Club features:

• Weekly Online Meetings (Sunday Evenings, March-May 2026): hosted by Dr. Bill Hillmann
• Introduction to the Encierro: learn about the infamous run that’s brought millions to a small city in Northern Spain
• Introduction to Bullfighting: the history, traditions and what to expect
• Meet other Travelers: Join the club with other travelers, who you’ll have the opportunity to meet in person during San Fermin.
• A Unique San Fermin Pañuelo (bandana) & Certificate of Completion

Prepare for the Run of a Lifetime!

Sprinting in front of six Spanish fighting bulls on slippery cobblestones isn’t for everyone. If you really want to prepare for the most exhilarating and dangerous experience of your life, we encourage you to join our Bull Runners Club and review the Official Event Schedule for the coming year.  The morning bull runs may be the star of the San Fermin Festival, but there’s much more to explore, discover and enjoy. From folkloric performances and parades to fireworks and marching bands, there are literally hundreds of interesting events spanning the nine-day festival.

Nothing in the world compares to the San Fermin Fiesta. Where else can you enjoy cultural traditions, music, parades, non-stop partying and the thrills of daily bull runs and nightly bullfights? We hope you can join us.

We are proud to offer basic and premium balcony rentals in Pamplona with excellent views to watch a bull run, as well as, exclusive Pamplona bullfight tickets during the Festival de San Fermin!