Saturday’s dash through Pamplona’s cobblestone streets turned violent when a black bull broke from the pack and struck a spectator directly in the face.

The San Fermin bull run delivered one of its most brutal mornings this year. A runner was gored in the face, and a dozen others needed medical care after chaos erupted along the narrow course. The scene unfolded during the fifth morning run of Spain’s eight-day festival, held in the northern city of Pamplona.

Thrill-seekers from around the world packed the street course early Saturday. However, not everyone walked away unscathed. The event, known globally for its danger and adrenaline, once again proved just how unpredictable six charging bulls and their accompanying steers can be.

What Happened During Saturday’s Run

Six bulls and several steers stampeded through the crowded streets of Pamplona on Saturday morning. The animals knocked runners to the cobblestones, and as bodies piled up, stumbling participants triggered several pileups along the route. The chaotic dash lasted roughly two-and-a-half minutes, covering 875 meters (957 yards) from the holding pen to the bull ring.

According to the University of Navarra Hospital, one runner suffered a goring to the face, while 12 additional people required treatment for various injuries. The exact moment of the goring remained unclear, though witnesses pointed to an early incident involving a black bull.

That particular bull broke away from the herd early in the run. It then plowed directly into a group of spectators, striking one person full in the side of the face with its horn. Consequently, panic spread quickly through that section of the crowd.

Many runners, meanwhile, appeared completely unaware of how close danger truly was. Some had bulls breathing down their necks without realizing it. Instead of being gored, several were simply shoved out of the way by the animals as they surged past.

Falls, collisions, and sheer confusion defined much of Saturday’s run. Even experienced participants struggled to predict where the bulls would turn next. As a result, injuries piled up quickly across different points along the narrow course.

A Festival Steeped in Literary History

This year’s celebration carries extra significance. It marks 100 years since the publication of Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises.” That book, in fact, is largely credited with launching the San Fermin festival to international fame decades ago.

Since then, the event has drawn thousands of visitors annually, blending local tradition with global spectacle. Foreign tourists now run alongside seasoned Pamplona locals every summer. Nevertheless, that mix of experience levels often contributes to the chaos seen on the course.

Novice runners frequently misjudge distances, timing, and the sheer speed of the animals. Meanwhile, experienced locals tend to navigate the run with far more precision. This imbalance, therefore, remains one of the leading factors behind repeated injuries each festival season.

Safety Concerns Remain Despite No Recent Deaths

The bull run tradition has not recorded a death since 2009. Still, gorings and broken bones happen regularly throughout the festival’s eight-day run. Saturday’s incident served as a stark reminder that serious harm remains a constant possibility.

Medical teams stationed along the route responded quickly to Saturday’s injuries. Their presence, undoubtedly, plays a crucial role in preventing more severe outcomes each year. Even so, the unpredictable nature of charging bulls makes total safety nearly impossible to guarantee.

Organizers continue emphasizing caution for both locals and tourists attempting the run. Officials frequently urge participants to understand the risks before joining. Despite these warnings, the allure of the San Fermin bull run continues drawing massive crowds every July.

Looking Ahead to the Remaining Festival Days

With several days of the festival still remaining, more runs are scheduled before the celebration concludes. Each morning brings fresh risk, as different bulls and fresh crowds fill the same narrow streets. Additionally, bullfighters are set to face Saturday’s bulls later that evening inside the ring.

For now, Saturday’s goring adds to a long list of injuries recorded throughout San Fermin’s storied history. Chaotic, thrilling, and undeniably dangerous — the festival remains one of Spain’s most famous and controversial traditions. Whether this year’s remaining runs pass without serious harm is something only time will tell.