About the Race

The Pensacola Running of the Bulls is modeled after the world-famous Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain. This nine-day celebration is filled with feasts, dancing, bullfighting, and the encierro, the ritual of releasing bulls into the streets to chase partygoers traditionally dressed in white and red. 

In order to maintain the thrilling spirit of the Pamplona bull-run without the hazard of live animals, the Pensacola Running of the Bulls features special guest “bulls” volunteered by regional Roller Derby leagues. Runners beware! The menacing derby bulls will be equipped with roller skates, horns, and plastic toy bats. 

Run at Your Own Risk

Participants are not allowed to touch, push, kick, or otherwise physically engage the bulls. Bulls are only allowed to “gore” runners on the rear with their bats. Medical assistance will be available for trips and falls.

Race-Day Attire

The traditional attire for San Fermin consists of a white shirt paired with white pants or shorts, a red neckerchief, and red sash or belt. We recommend all participants wear traditional attire to help the bulls distinguish race participants from onlookers. Or wear any bullfighting or Spanish-themed costume that gets you in the spirit – Viva San Fermin!

Sidewalk = Safety

The bulls are trained to avoid participants seeking safety on the sidewalks. The bulls have also been instructed not to strike a fallen runner on the pavement, but be sure to check your surroundings before standing up – colliding with a rolling bull is no fun! 

While this is an event for all ages, we recommend that children under the age of ten stay close to the curbs.

Best Group 

Best Señor Costume

Best Señorita Costume

Scariest Bull Costume

Best Horns

Viva Pamplona Spirit Award

Most Patriotic Costume

Best Kids Costume