The third San Fermín 2026 encierro in Pamplona brought fast runs and dense crowds. Victoriano del Río bulls led the charge. Organizers reported only minor injuries, but the pace and risk remain high.
The third encierro of San Fermín 2026 unfolded in Pamplona with the Victoriano del Río bulls setting a blistering pace through the city’s historic streets. Thousands of runners packed the 875-meter route from the Santo Domingo slope to the bullring, facing a tense and adrenaline-filled morning as the herd thundered forward in a tight formation. The run, which began at 8:00, was marked by its speed and the compactness of the bulls, leaving little room for error among participants.
So far, this year’s encierros have been defined by their rapid tempo and dense crowds. The first two runs clocked in at just over two minutes each, with the opening day completed in 2 minutes and 16 seconds, and the second in 2 minutes and 26 seconds. While most injuries have been minor, Wednesday’s run saw a Cebada Gago bull inflict a light goring to a runner’s arm, highlighting the ever-present risks. Despite these incidents, organizers noted that the Victoriano del Río herd, weighing between 585 and 610 kilos, maintained a relatively calm demeanor during today’s event, with no major accidents reported.
As tradition dictates, runners gathered before the start to recite the San Fermín prayer, seeking protection for the dangerous dash ahead. While men continue to make up the majority of participants, women are increasingly visible among the crowd. Notably, Joe, a 74-year-old American who has attended the festival for decades and now owns a home in Pamplona, was once again present, embodying the international draw of the event.
The final stretch into the bullring remains one of the most perilous sections, where the so-called “gateras” offer a crucial escape route for those in danger. Experienced runner and TVE commentator Teo Lázaro reminded viewers of the importance of respecting the bulls and avoiding reckless actions, such as touching the animals’ horns, which can provoke unpredictable reactions.
Later today, the Victoriano del Río bulls will be featured in the afternoon’s bullfight, with matadors Talavante, Andrés Roca Rey, and David de Miranda scheduled to face them in the Pamplona arena. The festival’s coverage has expanded in recent years, with RTVE providing live broadcasts, multicamera feeds, and historical content to capture every angle of the Sanfermines. For those interested in the broader context of safety and crowding at the festival, a recent report on a runner’s injury during the opening encierro offers further insight into the challenges faced by participants.
San Fermín is one of Spain’s most recognized festivals, drawing visitors from around the world and generating significant economic activity for Pamplona and the wider Navarra region. The encierros are broadcast internationally, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a center of tradition and spectacle. Local authorities and emergency services remain on high alert throughout the week, coordinating medical teams and crowd control to minimize risks. The event’s enduring popularity is a testament to its unique blend of danger, ritual, and communal celebration, making it a focal point of Spain’s summer calendar.
