The second San Fermín running of the bulls featured Cebada Gago’s feared herd. The event was fast and tightly packed, resulting in one goring and two other injuries. Medical teams responded quickly as the bulls completed the course.
The second encierro of San Fermín 2026 delivered a tense morning in Pamplona as the Cebada Gago bulls, known for their unpredictable runs, charged through the city’s historic streets. Despite their reputation, the herd moved in a surprisingly compact group, covering the 800-meter course at a relentless pace. The run left one participant gored in the arm and two others requiring medical attention, highlighting the ever-present risks of the festival’s most famous event.
From the start at Santo Domingo, the bulls showed flashes of their notorious independence, with one animal briefly breaking away on the right. However, the cabestros—experienced steers—kept the group largely together, minimizing chaos. Near the Mercaderes curve, a dramatic fall occurred as two runners jostled for position, but the bulls did not target those left vulnerable on the outside. The lead changed hands several times, with the sharp-horned carbonero bull briefly taking the front, but the herd rarely opened significant gaps for runners to exploit.
Approaching the Telefónica stretch, several bulls slipped, and the last in the group lagged behind after losing its footing. A sudden burst of speed allowed it to rejoin the others, but not before violently knocking down a runner. The entire run unfolded as a near-continuous sprint, with little room for error. Upon entering the bullring, some animals stumbled, yet the cabestros and arena staff quickly regrouped the herd and guided them safely into the pens.
Medical services reported three injuries: a goring to the arm on Telefónica, a contusion with deformity, and a bleeding wound from a fall inside the bullring. Only one person required hospital transfer. The day’s bullfight will see a young trio—David Galván, Román, and Manuel Diosleguarde—face the same Cebada Gago bulls that tested runners earlier. The event’s intensity and the swift response from emergency teams echoed the city’s commitment to safety, even as the festival’s traditions continue to draw crowds and risk-takers alike.
San Fermín’s encierros remain a defining spectacle of Spanish summer, drawing thousands to Pamplona each July. The Cebada Gago herd, with 35 appearances, is among the most storied and feared in the festival’s history. While this year’s run was less chaotic than some past editions, the combination of speed, unpredictability, and narrow escapes keeps the encierro at the heart of Spain’s cultural calendar. For context, other Spanish cities have faced their own public safety challenges during major events, such as when Barcelona evacuated four buildings after a large sinkhole appeared, underscoring the importance of rapid emergency response in high-profile gatherings.
San Fermín’s blend of tradition, adrenaline, and risk continues to captivate both locals and visitors. The festival’s medical protocols and experienced staff play a crucial role in managing the dangers inherent to the encierro. As the week progresses, attention will remain fixed on Pamplona’s streets, where each morning brings new tests for runners, bulls, and the city’s emergency teams.
