The second San Fermín 2026 bull run in Pamplona featured Cebada Gago bulls, known for unpredictability. The event ended without serious incidents, but tension remained high. RTVE broadcast the run live with multicamera coverage.
The second encierro of San Fermín 2026 in Pamplona unfolded at high speed this morning, with the Cebada Gago bulls once again at the center of attention. Known for their unpredictable and demanding nature, these bulls charged through the city’s historic streets, drawing thousands of runners and onlookers. Despite the reputation of Cebada Gago for dangerous runs, today’s event concluded without major incidents, though the atmosphere was marked by palpable tension and adrenaline from start to finish.
At exactly 8:00, the traditional rocket signaled the start, sending the bulls racing from the Ayuntamiento square through Mercaderes and Estafeta, covering the 875-meter route to the bullring. The herd remained tightly packed throughout, completing the course in 2 minutes and 26 seconds. While the run saw the usual slips and falls, there were no significant injuries reported, a notable contrast to the previous day’s faster run, which left five people with contusions, three requiring hospital care.
Preparation for the encierro began hours earlier. From 4:00 in the morning, the Policía Foral’s canine unit inspected the route, ensuring safety for both runners and spectators. By 7:55, participants gathered for the traditional chant to San Fermín, seeking protection before facing bulls weighing between 555 and 610 kilos. The event also saw runners using the occasion to show solidarity with various causes, adding a social dimension to the festival’s intensity.
RTVE provided comprehensive live coverage, including a multicamera setup on RTVE Play, allowing viewers to follow the action from multiple angles. The special program 'Vive San Fermín 2026' aired from 7:15 each morning on La 1, hosted by Ana Prada, Julian Iantzi, Egoitz Txurruka, and expert runner Teo Lázaro. This expanded coverage reflects the growing interest in the festival, as highlighted in recent reports on the return of live bull runs and new broadcast features.
Cebada Gago’s bulls have a long-standing reputation for unpredictability, often breaking from the herd and targeting runners along the sides. Statistically, this ranch is among those with the highest number of goring incidents, with over 55 injuries recorded during its participation in San Fermín. Today’s run, however, avoided serious mishaps, underscoring the importance of preparation and vigilance among both runners and organizers.
The San Fermín festival remains one of Spain’s most iconic events, drawing international attention for its blend of tradition, risk, and spectacle. The encierros are not only a test of courage for participants but also a logistical challenge for city authorities, emergency services, and broadcasters. With each run, Pamplona balances celebration and safety, maintaining a centuries-old tradition that continues to evolve with new technologies and heightened awareness of public safety.
