A two-minute San Fermín encierro with La Palmosilla bulls left ten injured, five hospitalized. Police intervened over safety violations. The event highlighted both skilled running and risky behavior among participants.
Ten people were injured and five required hospital treatment during the sixth encierro of San Fermín 2026 in Pamplona, as runners faced the La Palmosilla bulls in a notably swift and eventful run. The race, which lasted just two minutes and 23 seconds, was marked by both impressive displays of skill and moments of real danger, especially as crowds surged for the weekend event.
Several runners managed to cover significant ground directly in front of the bulls, particularly along Estafeta street, where gaps in the crowd allowed for cleaner sprints than on previous days. However, the increased number of participants typical for a weekend led to tense moments, including a brown bull causing concern near the entrance to the Plaza de Toros with sudden charges and head movements.
Medical teams responded to ten injuries, most from blunt force trauma of varying severity. Five of those hurt were taken to hospital. Two runners from earlier encierros remain hospitalized: a 30-year-old from Alicante who suffered a facial goring and underwent emergency surgery for a jaw fracture, and a 65-year-old Spanish man with bilateral pneumothorax, whose condition is reported as stable.
Despite the overall clean running, authorities again observed dangerous behavior, with some participants touching or grabbing the bulls’ horns. Such actions not only risk fines but also increase the unpredictability and discomfort of the animals, raising the threat level for everyone involved.
Police continued to enforce strict safety measures. On Saturday, officers identified and sanctioned a runner dressed as the Joker for carrying a mobile phone, which is prohibited during the run. The same individual, without face paint, was stopped again on Sunday and asked to hand over his phone. Officials remind all participants that carrying objects like backpacks, bags, cups, cameras, or recording devices is forbidden, as dropped items can endanger others on the course.
The La Palmosilla ranch, based in Cádiz, is the second youngest among those participating in the encierros, with only two previous appearances. Last year, its bulls were involved in the most dangerous Sunday run of the past decade, which saw four runners gored. This year’s group included two black bulls—Cortijero (575 kg) and Mirlo Blanco (580 kg); three brown bulls—Jubiloso (580 kg), Sombrerito (575 kg), and Cantarillo (555 kg); and one red bull—Zorzal (565 kg). All six traveled over 1,100 kilometers from Tarifa to Pamplona and are scheduled to be fought in the afternoon’s bullfight at the Plaza de Toros.
Concerns over crowding and safety at San Fermín have been ongoing. In a previous incident, an experienced runner was forced to leave the festival after suffering an ankle injury during a packed opening encierro, highlighting the persistent risks associated with large numbers of participants. Details of that case can be found in this report on a runner’s injury during the first run.
San Fermín’s encierros are a central feature of Pamplona’s annual festivities, drawing thousands of locals and tourists. The event’s combination of tradition, adrenaline, and risk continues to prompt debate over safety protocols and participant behavior. The city’s authorities maintain a visible presence to enforce regulations and respond to incidents, aiming to balance the festival’s spirit with the well-being of all involved. The La Palmosilla bulls’ participation this year again underscores the unpredictable nature of the encierro, where both skill and caution remain essential.
