A high-speed charge by Miura bulls in Pamplona left four women runners knocked down near the bullring. None suffered a goring, but the incident highlighted the risks and speed of this year’s San Fermín encierro.
Four women runners faced a critical moment during Monday’s San Fermín encierro in Pamplona, when a group of Miura bulls surged through the final stretch leading into the bullring. The runners, caught off guard by the bulls’ rapid approach on the right side of the route, were unable to move aside in time. One of the animals collided with the group, sending some of the women crashing into the wooden barriers and to the ground. The scene, witnessed by a crowd holding its breath, underscored the ever-present danger of the event.
Despite the force of the impact and the chaos at the entrance to the plaza, none of the runners suffered a goring. Instead, they escaped with abrasions and bruises, with at least one receiving immediate attention from Red Cross volunteers. The incident became one of the most striking images of this year’s encierro, which otherwise unfolded quickly and without major injuries, but not without moments of real tension along the course.
Another risky episode occurred as a young woman, having fallen at the entrance to the bullring, stood up just as the bulls passed by. Rather than staying down and protected, her decision to rise increased the risk of a serious accident. Fortunately, she emerged unscathed, avoiding what could have been a much more severe outcome.
This year’s San Fermín has already seen several high-speed runs and dangerous situations. In a recent event, a fast encierro with La Palmosilla bulls resulted in ten injuries and highlighted ongoing safety concerns, as detailed in coverage of the La Palmosilla bull run. The Miura bulls, known for their speed and unpredictability, once again demonstrated why the final stretch into the Pamplona bullring remains one of the most hazardous points for runners.
San Fermín’s encierros are a central tradition in Pamplona, drawing thousands of participants and spectators each year. The event is tightly managed, with medical teams and volunteers stationed along the route to respond to injuries. While the spectacle is celebrated for its excitement and history, the risks are real, and each run brings renewed focus on safety measures and the unpredictable nature of the bulls. The Miura herd, in particular, has a reputation for fast, clean runs but also for producing moments of high drama, as seen in this latest incident involving the four women runners.
