Miura bulls swept through Pamplona’s streets in just over two and a half minutes during the penultimate running of the bulls at San Fermín 2026, leaving six people injured. The event featured the renowned Lora del Río herd from Seville. Each massive animal weighed over 600 kilos, and the tightly packed bulls caused several falls and pile-ups among runners. Despite the intensity, none of the injuries resulted from goring, information from provisional medical reports.
The Miura bulls, a fixture of San Fermín for more than four decades, are known for their imposing size and unpredictable temperament. This year’s group included six bulls: "Merecido," "Mochuelo," "Gaditano," "Decoroso," "Famoso," and "Andaluz." All exceeded 600 kilos and displayed traditional Miura coat colors. The run began at 8:00 a.m., with hundreds of runners bracing themselves after the customary triple chant to San Fermín. The bulls reached the arena in 2 minutes and 34 seconds but circled the ring before entering the pens, extending the overall duration.
Throughout the course, the compact herd kept up a relentless pace, with only one bull briefly lagging behind. Runners navigated the narrow streets in a tense atmosphere, and several impressive falls were reported. The event aired live across multiple RTVE channels, giving viewers a choice of camera angles and comprehensive coverage, including special programming and multicamera streaming options.
The risks of an encierro can change sharply when an animal separates from the herd. In a separate sixth San Fermín 2026 run, AFP reported that a black bull broke away and charged at runners. Three men were gored, while three other people were hospitalized after falls. That run involved six fighting bulls accompanied by six steers, with the animals described as weighing about half a tonne. The incident was separate from the Miura encierro.
Accessibility was also in focus this year. The Asociación Retina de Navarra introduced a new viewing area for people with low vision, allowing them to experience the encierro from the edge of the ring for the first time. Organizers stressed the importance of improving access for participants and spectators, part of ongoing efforts to make the festival more inclusive.
Beyond the run, the day carried social and political undertones. A demonstration against sexual violence took place in Pamplona’s Plaza del Castillo, drawing hundreds of participants and coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the high-profile La Manada case. Organized by the Movimiento Feminista de Iruñerria, the protest drew attention to ongoing concerns about safety and respect during the festivities. Banners called for an end to violence against women.
The Miura family, which has managed the herd since 1842, emphasized its deep connection to Pamplona and the festival’s traditions. The bulls’ distinctive appearance, with their large horns and muscular builds set against varied coat colors, continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. Antonio Miura said the animals are known to rise to the occasion in the ring, surprising even seasoned observers with their presence and energy.
San Fermín 2026 has featured exceptionally fast runs, with most encierros lasting between two and two and a half minutes. As the festival nears its conclusion, skilled running has shared the streets with moments of real danger. An earlier encierro with La Palmosilla bulls also left multiple people injured, underscoring the challenge of balancing tradition with safety. Details are available in this report on another recent San Fermín run.
San Fermín remains one of Spain’s most iconic festivals, blending centuries-old rituals with modern demands for greater safety and social responsibility, including better access. As the final days approach, attention remains on the spectacle in the streets and the developing conversation about the event’s place in contemporary Spanish life.
