The fourth San Fermín 2026 encierro saw Álvaro Núñez bulls spark panic at Mercaderes. The herd split, one runner was knocked down, and the run lasted a record 2 minutes 32 seconds.
Pamplona’s fourth encierro of San Fermín 2026 turned chaotic on Friday morning as the bulls of Álvaro Núñez led a high-speed, high-tension run through the city’s historic streets. The most dramatic moment unfolded at the notorious Mercaderes-Estafeta curve, where the leading bulls crashed into the wooden barriers, sending a runner to the ground and triggering a wave of panic among participants and onlookers.
This year’s fourth run was both the fastest and the longest so far, clocking in at two minutes and 32 seconds. Despite the extended duration, the pace remained relentless, with the herd splitting into two distinct groups as they charged through the course. The division of the pack added to the unpredictability, making it harder for runners to anticipate the bulls’ movements and increasing the risk of incidents along the route.
The bulls brought by the Cádiz-based Álvaro Núñez ranch included some of the heaviest animals seen this year. The standout was Gavilán, a 595-kilogram red bull, accompanied by Billetero (a black mulatto with a stripe), Juncoso (another red bull with “ojo de perdiz” markings, also weighing 595 kilos), and Gruñón (a black striped bull), each tipping the scales at 590 kilos. The lighter members of the group were a second Gavilán (red, 570 kilos) and Asustado (a black mulatto with streaks, 565 kilos). The size and strength of these bulls contributed to the intensity and danger of the run, especially in the narrowest sections of the course.
As the bulls surged ahead of the cabestros, the risk for runners increased sharply. The collision at Mercaderes-Estafeta was a stark reminder of the hazards inherent in the encierro, a tradition that draws thousands of participants and spectators each year. The incident left at least one runner knocked down and briefly disrupted the flow of the herd, but the bulls quickly regained momentum and continued toward the bullring.
San Fermín’s encierros are known for their unpredictability and the ever-present risk of injury. Earlier in the festival, concerns about crowding and safety were highlighted when a runner from Bizkaia was forced to withdraw after being trampled, as detailed in a recent report on the challenges faced by experienced participants during the opening run. This latest incident at Mercaderes underscores the ongoing tension between tradition and safety in Pamplona’s most famous event.
San Fermín’s encierros have been held annually since the late 16th century, becoming a symbol of Pamplona and attracting visitors from across Spain and around the world. The route, stretching just over 800 meters, is lined with double wooden barriers and monitored by emergency services. Each year, the event is broadcast live, with minute-by-minute coverage available from outlets such as RTVE Noticias. The combination of powerful bulls, narrow streets, and large crowds creates a unique atmosphere that is both festive and fraught with risk. While most runs end without serious injury, the potential for accidents remains high, especially when the herd splits or loses formation. The 2026 edition continues to test the balance between maintaining tradition and ensuring the safety of all involved.
