A runner from Bizkaia was injured during the opening San Fermín encierro. He suffered an ankle sprain after being trampled in a packed section. The incident highlights growing concerns over crowding and safety at the event.
The first encierro of San Fermín 2026 in Pamplona ended abruptly for Lucas Cordero, a 34-year-old runner from Mallabia, Bizkaia. Despite years of experience and careful preparation, Cordero was forced to abandon the festivities after sustaining a left ankle sprain when another participant stepped on him during the crowded Telefónica stretch. Medical teams responded quickly, evacuating him to the Hospital Universitario de Navarra, where his injury was initially classified as minor.
This year’s opening run, featuring bulls from the Fuente Ymbro ranch, was marked by an exceptionally dense crowd and a rapid pace. The encierro lasted just two minutes and twenty-five seconds, with no gorings reported. However, four runners suffered contusions, and three required hospital care. Cordero’s injury, though not life-threatening, has significant personal consequences: his planned holiday around the San Fermín festivities has been cut short, and doctors have warned of a lengthy recovery period before he can return to his usual activities, including daily runs and rugby.
Cordero, who has participated in five San Fermín encierros, expressed frustration over the increasing number of inexperienced runners. He noted that overcrowding and lack of preparation among some participants contributed to dangerous situations, pushing seasoned runners closer to the bulls. The incident occurred near the end of the route, shortly after Cordero jumped over a fallen black bull and was then stepped on by a larger runner, resulting in immediate pain and swelling.
For Cordero, the San Fermín festival is more than a tradition—it is a family legacy. He typically runs the challenging section between the Ayuntamiento and the bullring, a stretch that demands both skill and strategic positioning. His commitment to the event is rooted in family history, as his grandfather also ran in the encierros. Cordero’s participation extends beyond Pamplona, including runs in Lodosa and other towns in southern Navarra. This year, however, the combination of crowding and misfortune has brought his involvement to an early end.
San Fermín’s encierros are renowned for their intensity and unpredictability, drawing thousands of runners and spectators each year. The event’s popularity has led to increased concerns about safety and crowd management, especially as more visitors join the tradition without adequate preparation. Similar issues of public safety and emergency response have been highlighted in other Spanish cities, such as during the recent evacuation of buildings in Barcelona’s Putxet district following a large sinkhole, as reported in coverage of the Barcelona incident.
San Fermín remains a defining moment in Pamplona’s calendar, blending deep-rooted customs with modern challenges. The experience of runners like Cordero underscores the delicate balance between tradition and safety, as authorities and participants alike navigate the evolving dynamics of one of Spain’s most iconic festivals. The event’s future may depend on how effectively these risks are managed, ensuring that the spirit of the encierro endures without compromising the well-being of those who take part.
