There is a lot of controversy here in Pamplona about how to regulate or put a limit to the number of participants in the running of the bulls.
As you may know, anyone who wants to take part in it does not need to apply for any permissions, as it is open to almost everyone who wants to participate; as long as you comply with some very simple rules such as, for example, not being blind drunk (difficult thing sometimes!), or not carrying bulky things (for example a backpack).
If you want some more information about this, click on the link to the Council’s website.
But let’s keep to the point; the fact that this being an open event, has ended up jeopardizing its own future.
There are so many participants that the bulls are mostly surrounded by people (especially on weekends) and therefore it is getting more and more difficult for the runners to really enjoy the event as the streets are overcrowded.
As a matter of fact, one has to pay as much attention to other runners as to the bulls themselves.
Additionally, live broadcast on TV is attracting a lot of people who do not run for the sake of it, but just because they want to have their fifteen minutes of fame.
So the question is now, who has the right to decide who can run and who can’t? and how can this be done?
8 comments ↓
1 Norwegian | Feb 21, 2008 | 14:44
Oh, I did not know running was free! Interesting piece of information!
Do you know if you have to pay to attend bullfighting?
2 El kiwi | Apr 14, 2008 | 14:47
Running or watching it is free, attending
the Bullfight is unfortunately not !!.
I think there is a “Norwegian Pena”.
(See posts about Penas)
3 El kiwi | Apr 14, 2008 | 15:00
Joseba,
Your question is timely… The answer has to be (unfortunately) the Ayuntamiento hopefully in
conjunction with The Penas.
I agree with you there are too many runners looking for their “Warhol” moment” and the time is coming when the Penas who know who is suitable and who is not will have to regulate.
I ran from from 1972-1990 and gave up through age!!. The early 90s level of participation was about right.
4 joseba | Apr 14, 2008 | 18:23
Kiwi:
I agree entirely with you.
Things have got more and more complicated over the last 20 years.
Unfortunately there are way too many runners now and it seems that it is going to get even worse unless some regulations regarding participation are enforced.
5 Niceplace | Apr 15, 2008 | 14:15
By allusions, I agree entirely too.
We are a few elected who must create a new Pena to decide who is running every morning. This Pena’s name is going to be “The Divinity of Iruña”.
6 Ben | Jan 19, 2009 | 2:18
I have never taken part in the pamplona run, but am thinking about making my way down this summer from England.
Are there any further requirements for particpating, and i always wondered how they enforce these regulations and stop minors from entering the race, as it doesnt seem too secure?
7 estafetakoa | Jan 21, 2009 | 20:15
Dear Ben, there are a lot of regulations. If you are drunk, or you do not have proper shoes, or you have a camera or you try to run with your luggage, Police will not let you run. These are only a few examples.
8 Joseba | Jan 23, 2009 | 18:29
Ben:
The running is free and open to anyone, as long as you comply with some few basic regulations. (If you want more information about that, click on the link of the City council)
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