A runner was injured during a bull run at Spain’s San Fermin festival on Saturday. The event, held in Pamplona, is known for its thrilling and sometimes dangerous nature. This year, a runner was gored in the face, and others were lucky to avoid serious injuries.
Six bulls charged through narrow streets filled with spectators. The massive animals knocked people down, and falls caused several accidents during the two-and-a-half-minute run to the bullring. According to the University of Navarra Hospital, twelve runners required medical treatment for various injuries.
One injured American, Ander Etxanobe from Florida, suffered a serious ankle fracture. Despite this, he plans to continue participating in the festival, stating that injuries do not dampen his spirit. A bull separated from the group early in the run and hit a runner in the face, but it is unclear if that caused the goring.
Many runners seemed unaware of the approaching bulls, with some being pushed aside instead of attacked. Saturday marked the fifth day of the eight-day festival, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year since the publication of Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
While there have been no deaths in the bull runs since 2009, injuries remain common, especially among inexperienced runners and tourists.
