According to Wallace, once you decide to run with the bulls, there are a few rules to follow:
- Decide you’re going to do it—and don’t think about it anymore.
- Don’t do research.
- Don’t compare your age with the 20-year-olds running beside you.
- And definitely don’t listen to pessimists discussing what could possibly go wrong.
Hofer and Wallace traveled to Pamplona, Spain, to experience the famous San Fermín Festival, held each year from July 7 through July 14. The festival’s biggest attraction is the Encierro, better known as the Running of the Bulls.
They ran with the bulls on July 13.
Hofer apparently enjoyed the experience so much—or temporarily misplaced his common sense—that he decided to do it again on July 14.
Wallace decided once was enough.
That may have been the more carefully considered vacation decision.
Two and a Half Minutes of Excitement
The Running of the Bulls involves hundreds of runners racing through the narrow streets of Pamplona alongside six bulls and six steers. The animals eventually charge into the city’s bullring.
The entire run lasts only about two and a half minutes.
Two and a half minutes doesn’t sound like much.
Unless you’re running down a narrow Spanish street with thousands of pounds of bulls coming up behind you, elbows invading your space, and trying to avoid competitors’ feet in front and behind your feet.
Then two and a half minutes can seem like a very long time.
Hemingway Was There First
The San Fermín Festival has been celebrated for centuries, but it became internationally famous in part because of Ernest Hemingway.
Hemingway first visited Pamplona in 1923 and returned several times. He wrote about the festival and its wild atmosphere in The Sun Also Rises, helping introduce the Running of the Bulls to readers around the world.
Wait—There’s More
After surviving the morning run, the adventure wasn’t over.
Both men also entered the bullring for the release of young bulls. One bull at a time is released into the arena with the participants.
The result is reportedly less “organized sporting event” and more “everybody run in every direction.”
Hofer and Wallace came away with stories, memories and, most importantly, the ability to tell people back home that they actually did it.
Hofer even did it twice.
Hear some interesting stories, some may even change your life!
Rotary clubs regularly invite community leaders, educators, and business professionals to share their expertise with members. These programs reflect Rotary’s commitment to lifelong learning, ethical leadership, and service above self.
The Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo meets at 7:30 a.m. on the first three Wednesdays of each month at the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Visitors interested in fellowship, networking, and community service are always welcome.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo and its community service projects, contact Ken Gasque at 803-553-0010 or [email protected].
