This photograph of me (center) was taken shortly before the bulls were released.
Today marked the start of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, better known as the Running of the Bulls. Back in 2006, I traveled to Spain to both run and to photograph the San Fermin events and several of my images were used by Life Magazine.
As a participant, you weren’t suppose to run with anything, including camera or video equipment or backpacks of any kind. When I ran, I bought along a small 35 mm film camera and squeezed off a few shots. There was quite a bit of panic on the faces of runners behind me and that’s when I knew it was time to run for my life. Fortunately, the bulls passed on a long and straight part of the route so I avoided the dangerous turns where most of the injuries occur. In 2006, there was one fatality, an American man, and several injuries.
I finished the entire route and ended up inside the Plaza de Toros (bullring) where I dodged a few bulls before calling it quits. This is where things get pretty wild and many runners get injured.
Shooting and running for my life.
Runners try to escape inside the bullring
On the second day, I was in the Plaza as a photojournalist, shooting the action and some of my favorite images to date.
Although this is probably the worst place to get mauled, this runner appeared uninjured.
Facing a bull with nothing but a kilt and rolled up newspaper, this Scotsman makes a last stand.
Upended by the bull.
The day I ran, most of the other daredevils were American, British and European men, along with a few American women.
Going commando under your kilt makes for a pretty close call.
Roughed up but still in the game.
Some bulls had their horns capped.
If you are going to run, get there early and scope out the route, you may need to make a quick exit. If you are an observer, don’t where open toed shoes, there’s tons of glass, alcohol and other unpleasant things to step in and injure your feet.
A bull wreaks havoc on two runners at the Plaza de Toros.
The crowd enjoys the action at Plaza de Toros, Pamplona Spain.
A quick snapshot makes a greet souvenir.
Smaller bulls were less intimidating for many runners.
Running with the bulls was a wild experience and while do not recommend it, everyone should try to get to Pamplona for the festival. The party atmosphere could be second to none so be ready to celebrate.
Runners taunting the bull.
Steve Matteo Photography, Photojournalist Chicago, Wedding Photographers Chicago, Wedding Photography Chicago
