Well, I think this feature is the most unique one we have posted for "What's On?".

Typically we focus on events in the Okanagan but for todays feature we will travel across the pond to Spain to get a first hand account of what it is like to experience the "Running of the Bulls".

Kelowna resident, Matthew Bell, is in Pamplona for the "Running of the Bulls". Originating in the 14th century, I'm not exactly sure it's on my bucket list but here are some pictures and a video from Matthew's experience:

Photo: Contributed

Matthew is in the middle of the picture running with the red bandana. Run Matthew Run.

Matthew talks about his experience:

Yes I ran with the bulls on Monday. It was a very intense experience as over 2000 people run every morning.

You are in a sea of people, almost all dressed in the traditional red and white clothing. Probably half the people running haven't slept yet and have been up all night partying. It is 24/7 festivities all around the old city center.

As dangerous as the bulls are, the most difficult part of running is trying to avoid other runners who fall. You see pure panic on the faces of people as the bulls approach and the everyone runs like mad. I made it about 70 feet running beside and near the bulls but got tripped up by getting too far to the side of the street. I sprained my knee and got clobbered in the back of the head. All in all pretty good injuries to have when they could be much worse.

Every day a few people get injured to some extent. Its a big thrill for some to run right in front of the bulls "on the horns" for as long as possible. But it's difficult to judge when to bail out because you can never tell how close the bulls are and if you look back your bound to run into people or trip.

It's amazing that people want to even do this, but I guess the danger is what makes it worth trying. 

- From Pamplona, Matthew Bell.

Runs With Bulls

Photo: Contributed - Matthew Bell

Photo: Contributed - Matthew Bell

Photo: Contributed - Matthew Bell

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