Speed and spectacle marked the seventh encierro of San Fermín 2026 in Pamplona, where the Miura bulls completed the run in two minutes and 34 seconds. The entire herd, known for its size and power, stunned onlookers by circling the bullring before heading into the pens, a move not seen at the festival for years. Medical teams reported eight injuries, with four runners requiring hospital care. None involved goring or horn wounds.
The run began with the traditional rocket launch at the Santo Domingo corral. The Miura bulls, all weighing over 600 kilos, surged ahead at a relentless pace. Early on, one bull stumbled on the cobblestones of Mercaderes street and briefly fell behind the group. An isolated bull can pose greater danger, but the animal quickly regained its footing and continued alongside a steer without further incident.
Along the route, the bulls held a tight formation, putting runners on edge. Several participants fell on the initial slope, unable to keep up with the animals. The critical turn at Mercaderes and Estafeta, often a hotspot for accidents, passed without major incident as the bulls navigated it cleanly. With fewer crowds than on previous days, experienced runners managed some of the week’s longest and boldest sprints, creating dramatic scenes inside the barricades.
As the herd neared the final stretch, tension rose again. Piles of runners formed on both sides of the passageway to the arena, but the Miura bulls stayed on course and galloped into the plaza. Just as the run seemed set to end in record time, the leading bulls slowed and completed a full lap of the ring in a coordinated move. That gave the group time to reunite with the bull that had fallen behind before all entered the pens together.
This year’s Miura bulls were the heaviest seen so far, with none weighing less than 600 kilos. Gaditano and Decoroso each weighed 635 kilos, ahead of Merecido (630), Mochuelo (615), Famoso, and Andaluz (605). All were cárdenos, black and white in color, though dark shades dominated their appearance. The herd’s imposing size and disciplined behavior made for a run that was both fast and relatively safe by San Fermín standards.
San Fermín’s encierros draw close attention for their tradition and the risks involved. This year’s Miura run stood out for its speed and the rare lap in the arena, recalling past editions with a modern twist. A previous run with La Palmosilla bulls also brought a high number of injuries and a rapid pace, as detailed in coverage of the La Palmosilla encierro.
San Fermín remains one of Spain’s most iconic festivals, drawing thousands to Pamplona each July. The encierros are broadcast live and followed by audiences across the country. The tradition is celebrated for its excitement and history, while safety remains a central concern for organizers and participants.
