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[sarahlee]

What is the running of the bulls all about? I think they do this tradition in Spain. Am I right? Can anyone tell me about this? I wouldn't want to be chased by a bull.

[minioncookies]

The Running of the Bulls, or the Encierro as it is known in Spain, takes place every year from July 7-14 in Pamplona, Spain. The Encierro is a traditional part of the San Fermin Festival and can be an adventure of a lifetime for anyone who partakes. Each morning around 7 a.m., runners assemble along the predetermined and fenced off route of Encierro. The Running starts promptly at 8 a.m. and includes the release of six trained fighting bulls and six oxen. After a quick prayer to St. Fermin, the patron saint of the both the Navarre region of Spain and the festival itself, runners take their place and wait for the release of the animals. After only a short minute, the corral at the beginning of the route is opened and a rocket is launched to let the runners know that the animals are loose. Once the final bull has left the corral, a second rocket is let off to update the runners.

The route is about 800 meters long and includes an uphill run in the beginning. The Running of the Bulls usually takes about four minutes and the bulls run an average speed of 15 miles per hour, but can sprint much faster at times. On any particular day of the festival, there are 2,000-3,500 runners, with many more festival goers watching the centuries old tradition. The running ends when all twelve animals reach the bullfighting ring at the end of the route.