Spain: Four injured on first day of Running of the Bulls

Spain's famous San Fermin bull run got underway today, with four people hospitalised in the controversial chase on its first day.


Runners dress in white with red neckerchiefs and many spectators stay up drinking all night in bars beforehand. Credit: Reuters

The race forms part of a week-long festival in the northern city of Pamplona in honour of the co-patron saint of the Nevarra region.

One runner was gored in the thigh on the first day, and another three suffered fractures during the 2-and-a-half minute race, according to the Red Cross.


A man watches from the floor as a bull charges towards him. Credit: Reuters

Huge crowds mass to the fiesta each year, during which hundreds are chased by the creatures down a half-mile course of narrow streets.

Throughout its history, injuries have been common at the Running of the Bulls, with 15 deaths reported since 1910.


A fighting cow leaps over festival goers as she enters the ring. Credit: Reuters

To reduce the number of injuries, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers line the streets, ready to treat anyone left hurt.

The run takes place every morning at 8am throughout the week, and is launched when a firecracker announces their release from their corral.


A runner falls in front of the Torrestrella fighting bulls. Credit: Reuters

It ends at Pamplona's bull ring, where the beasts will later be killed by bullfighters.

Tens of thousands turned out yesterday to celebrate the start of the festival, holding red scarves to mark the start of 204 hours of music, dancing, drinking and bullfighting.


Thousands celebrated the start of the festival in Pamplona on Sunday.

http://www.itv.com/news/2014-07-07/four-injured-in-the-first-day-of-spains-running-of-the-bulls/

Good for the bulls, horrible custom!

Only four injuries and no deaths ?
Shame

Nems wrote:Only four injuries and no deaths ?
Shame

Was just going to say the same thing.
This sport is barbaric.

I don't know how they can even regard it as a 'sport'.

Jeez, I thought this had been outlawed ages ago.

Should have been shouldn't it!

I'm really surprised only 4 people were injured. Doesn't that make doing this safer than participating in Black Friday.

jaded fox wrote:I'm really surprised only 4 people were injured. Doesn't that make doing this safer than participating in Black Friday.

Black Friday, am I right, is that a shopping thing in America?

Sassy wrote:

jaded fox wrote:I'm really surprised only 4 people were injured. Doesn't that make doing this safer than participating in Black Friday.

Black Friday, am I right, is that a shopping thing in America?

Day after our thanksgiving day a lot of retailers start the Christmas season with huge sales. There have been trampling deaths at Walmart over it

jaded fox wrote:

Sassy wrote:

Black Friday, am I right, is that a shopping thing in America?

Day after our thanksgiving day a lot of retailers start the Christmas season with huge sales. There have been trampling deaths at Walmart over it

OMG!

Sassy wrote:

jaded fox wrote:

Day after our thanksgiving day a lot of retailers start the Christmas season with huge sales. There have been trampling deaths at Walmart over it

OMG!

black friday death count

one of my mates went to spain

he was near a bull fighting arena and saw a restaurant, so in he goes since it was lunch time
he see this bloke at there eating two large meat balls, and says to the waiter....they look good, I'll have them as well.

Sorry Sir says te waiter, they are ze bulls testicles, a delicacy and in short supply, so you have to pre order them...we can fit you in tomorow if you like

Ok says my mate ...I'll be here at 2 prompt.


Next day he turns up at 2 and the waiter brings out the plate and whips off the cover....revaeling two tiny shriveld meat balls....

OI says my mate...these are tiny compared to what that bloke had yesterday....why is that


Sorry sir , says the waiter...sometimes.....
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......ZE bull wins...  

   

Are these the people who throw goats and donkeys off towers?

Dunno Nicko, thought the Spanish just had a thing about Bulls!

They do it sassy, perhaps some one else can verify it!!

eddie wrote:

Nems wrote:
Only four injuries and no deaths ?
Shame

Was just going to say the same thing.
This sport is barbaric.

              

I'LL always be cheering for the bulls as well...