The Running of the Bulls lasts little more than three minutes, but it concentrates all the tension of the festival. Every morning from July 7th to 14th, at eight o'clock sharp, six bulls and several steers run 825 metres from the Santo Domingo corral to the Plaza de Toros, with runners ahead of them, alongside them and, if it comes to it, between their horns. Here's what you need to know before getting close, whether to watch it or to run it.

The route, stretch by stretch

The route is divided into six stretches, each with its own character: Santo Domingo — the initial slope, around 280 metres considered the most dangerous stretch, where the bulls reach their highest speed —, Plaza Consistorial, Mercaderes — barely 9 metres wide —, Estafeta — the longest straight and the most televised —, the access alley into the bullring and, finally, the ring itself. Each stretch carries its own risk: the Mercaderes bend and the entrance to the alley account for most falls, due to the funnel effect.

Two rockets mark the key moments for anyone following the run from outside: the first announces the opening of the corrals and the release of the bulls; the second confirms that the last bull has left the run. The Plaza de Toros, the finish line of the route, holds more than 20,000 spectators.

If you want to watch without running

The safest option, with the best vantage point, is a rented balcony on Calle Estafeta or Plaza Consistorial — book months in advance, they sell out. The free alternative is to stake out a spot behind the double barriers installed along the whole route the night before; arrive at least an hour early if you want a front-row spot. The Plaza de Toros also opens its doors to watch the final entry from the stands, with a paid ticket.

"The Running of the Bulls isn't run, it's endured. And it's endured better if you know the rules before you go down to the street."

If you're going to run it: the official rules

Pamplona City Council publishes an official notice every year setting out the rules of the run. The most important ones: you must be over 18 — it is strictly forbidden for minors —, you cannot run under the influence of alcohol, stopping to take photos or videos during the run is forbidden, and you cannot call to or provoke the bulls. Access to the starting area closes at 07:30 (07:15 on the first day, July 7th, and on weekends, due to higher turnout); arriving late means being shut out. Estafeta, being a straight street with an even surface, is considered the most manageable stretch for first-time runners, although crowding increases near the bullring.

The most common mistake first-timers make

Running from the very start of the route thinking "the longer, the better." The reality is the opposite: the early stretches are the fastest and most crowded, packed with experienced runners who know the rhythm of each herd. For first-time runners, veteran advice is to start on the final stretch — near the bullring — and, above all, always have an escape route identified before the run begins.

After the run

Once the bulls enter the ring, a young cow with its horns protected is released so the public can carry on "bullfighting" in a more playful and far less risky way. This is the moment when many first-timers dare to step into the ring for the first time, with much lower risk than the real run.