Twelve runners were injured during the final bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, on Tuesday [1].
The injuries mark a chaotic end to one of the world's most famous cultural traditions, highlighting the persistent physical risks associated with the event's historic route.
The incident occurred on the cobbled streets of Estafeta Street, where the bulls slipped on a curve [2]. This loss of control led to a series of collisions and injuries among the participants. Of the 12 runners injured during the final run, nine were taken to the hospital for medical treatment [2].
The San Fermin festival began on July 7, 2026 [2]. Over the course of the eight-day event, the tradition of daily bull runs continued to draw large crowds and significant risks [2].
Official reports indicate that at least 63 runners were injured throughout the entire festival [2]. The high number of casualties reflects the volatile nature of the run, a combination of panicked crowds and unpredictable animals in narrow urban corridors.
Local authorities in Pamplona manage the route each year to mitigate danger, but the historic layout of the city remains a challenge for safety. The final run of July 14, 2026, served as a reminder of these dangers as the event closed for the year [2].
“Twelve runners were injured during the final bull run of the San Fermin festival”
The total of at least 63 injuries over eight days underscores the inherent danger of the San Fermin festival, where the intersection of historic city architecture and animal unpredictability creates a high-risk environment. The fact that bulls slipped on a curve during the final run suggests that environmental factors, such as the condition of the cobbled streets, play a critical role in the frequency of accidents.
