The second San Fermín 2026 encierro in Pamplona ended with only minor injuries. A 23-year-old runner suffered a light goring. The Cebada Gago bulls finished the course in record time, with few incidents reported.
The second running of the bulls at San Fermín 2026 in Pamplona unfolded at remarkable speed, with the Cebada Gago bulls covering the route in just two minutes and 26 seconds. Despite the breed's reputation for unpredictability and a history of 63 gorings, this morning's encierro resulted in only three medical incidents, all considered minor by event standards. The most serious was a light goring to the arm of a 23-year-old runner from Gipuzkoa, who was quickly transported to hospital for treatment. Two other participants suffered a leg contusion and a bleeding injury from a fall near the bullring, but none of the cases were classified as severe.
Organizers noted that the Cebada Gago bulls, now in their 36th San Fermín appearance, seemed increasingly accustomed to the course. The animals, closely guided by the cabestros, moved through Pamplona's streets with little hesitation, which contributed to the unusually clean and rapid run. The herd largely avoided the dense crowds, maintaining a tight formation and minimizing the risk of dangerous pile-ups or separations. This efficiency sharply contrasted with last year's second encierro, which lasted over five minutes and saw more significant incidents.
While the overall run was smooth, some runners attempted to interact with the bulls by grabbing their horns or blocking their path—actions strictly prohibited and subject to penalties. These behaviors did not result in additional injuries but were noted by authorities as ongoing concerns for safety and event integrity. The bulls entered the ring together and were secured in the corrals without further delay, ready to be fought later in the day by David Galván, Román, and Manuel Diosleguarde.
Falls and slips occurred along the route, as is typical in the encierro, but none led to serious consequences. The medical report released after the run described the day's incidents as lighter than expected, especially given the breed's formidable reputation. This outcome stands in contrast to the opening day, when crowding and injuries drew attention to safety issues—an issue highlighted in a recent report on a runner forced to withdraw after an ankle injury.
San Fermín's encierros are among Spain's most closely watched annual events, drawing thousands of participants and spectators from around the world. The combination of tradition, risk, and spectacle makes each run a focal point for local authorities and emergency services. The Cebada Gago bulls, known for their speed and unpredictability, have become a symbol of both the danger and the enduring appeal of the festival. With only minor injuries reported today, attention now turns to the afternoon's bullfights and the ongoing management of safety measures throughout the week. The event continues to balance its historic roots with evolving standards for participant protection and crowd control, as Pamplona adapts to the demands of modern tourism and public safety.
