The third encierro of San Fermín 2026 took place in Pamplona on July 9, 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 as the herd moved forward in tight formation. The run began at 8:00 a.m. The bulls’ speed and compact grouping left participants little room for error.
This year’s encierros have so far been defined by rapid runs and dense crowds. The opening day’s run took 2 minutes and 16 seconds, while the second lasted 2 minutes and 26 seconds. The Victoriano del Río bulls weighed between 585 and 610 kilograms. Coverage of the third run reported one horn injury and numerous falls in the basic section, highlighting the risks as the herd maintained a compact formation.
Before the start, runners gathered to recite the San Fermín prayer, seeking protection for the dangerous dash ahead. Men still make up the majority of participants, though women are increasingly visible in the crowd. Joe, a 74-year-old American who has attended the festival for decades and now owns a home in Pamplona, was there again, reflecting the event’s international draw.
The final stretch into the bullring remains one of the most perilous sections. The so-called “gateras,” small openings along the route, offer runners a way to get out of the bulls’ path. Experienced runner and TVE commentator Teo Lázaro reminded viewers to respect the animals and avoid reckless actions, such as touching their horns, which can provoke unpredictable reactions.
Later that day, the Victoriano del Río bulls were scheduled to appear in the afternoon corrida. Matadors Alejandro Talavante and Andrés Roca Rey were named for the Pamplona arena, as was David de Miranda. In its report on the third encierro, El Caso described a horn injury and many falls in the basic stretch. Later in the 2026 season, Cultoro ranked Talavante first in the matador standings, reporting 61 bullfights and 74 ears; Roca Rey placed second, with 58 bullfights and 116 ears. Those season totals provide broader context for the matadors’ profiles, separate from the Pamplona run. RTVE’s festival coverage has expanded in recent years. It includes live broadcasts and multicamera feeds, while historical content captures the Sanfermines. A recent report on a runner’s injury during the opening encierro offers further understanding into the challenges participants face.
San Fermín is one of Spain’s best-known festivals, drawing visitors from around the world and generating impressive 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 coordinate medical teams and crowd control throughout the week. The festival remains a focal point of Spain’s summer calendar, bringing danger and ritual together in a communal celebration.
