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Mark_Ockerbloom's Blog

by Mark_Ockerbloom from Dedham

Last Post 21 hours Ago

Running of the Bulls

Jul 6, 2008 | 5:18 PM
Category: News

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"Best day of my whole ******* life." That's how Sam from Australia describes this year's Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. I'm sorry but I just don't get it... hundreds of people risking life and limb in a desperate half-mile sprint to avoid a bulls horns? Sorry, not my idea of a good time.

If I want to get my heart racing I can think of plenty of less deadly things to do. Rollercoaster rides, Bungee jumping and parachuting quickly come to mind. Since 1910, 15 people have been killed in Pamplona including one unlucky American, Matthew Tassio, who was gored in 1995.

Yeah, I know it's a tradition and it's part of Spain's "culture"... but so, too, is "La Tomatina", the annual tomato-throwing festival held every August. Thousands of revelers participating in a two-hour food fight where all you have to worry about is getting the stains out? Now that's more my speed... how 'bout you?

21 Comments | Add a Comment

Jul 6, 2008 | 6:45 PM

Ock, How right you are about this stupid tradition. I almost pray to see a bull horn up someones backside. And the ultimate payoff an arena where they kill the poor bull. I guess if the people come they will continue with this mindless game.

Xantun

Jul 6, 2008 | 7:51 PM

Were there any idiots letting their 10-year olds run this year, Ock?

I can think of better things to run away from than angry bulls. It's called the "Thanksgiving Sprint"!

lafko06

Jul 6, 2008 | 8:18 PM

I too can't understand this tradition. I wrote about it last July when I saw a picture of a gentleman getting gored in the wrong place. It kind of falls in line with Fenwaydave's hope for this year.

Maybe the people trying to outrun a mad mis-treated large animal should just come to Boston and try to drive to the cape on a Friday at 1:00pm if they want a thrill. It would hopefully be a lot safer a they would probably be around for years to tell their grandkids about the experience.

JuneInMA

Jul 6, 2008 | 8:28 PM

Ock,

I say the same thing EVERY year. NO WAY. NO FRICKIN WAY! It's so stupid that like fenwaydav, I find myself hoping the bull scores one for himself!

Mark_Ockerbloom

Jul 6, 2008 | 8:43 PM

You guys have me cracking up! I got to admit...though I'm lifelong Celtics fan, it's times like these and especially when I see bullfights that I too find myself rooting for the Bulls.

Ten44
Jul 6, 2008 | 10:55 PM

I don't know ... it's a celebration of life, and what better way to celebrate life that cheating death.

It seems that most of those people duck and run very quickly and don't come anywhere near the bulls and steers.

Those more hearty souls (drunks really) that want to get up close and personal do put life and limb on the line. To run with them, touch them then slow down and find shelter is magic.

The bulls run to the ring every day to face the matadors -- a one way trip, I guess this is their only chance to get even.

It sure is a unique festival, I have to give them that.

OK, now where's the video?

skripples

Jul 6, 2008 | 11:36 PM

When in Madrid I visited a "farm" where they trained adolescent bulls for the fighting rings. I got to step in the ring holding a red cape and tried to entice the bull to charge. I was quite a rush and even opted for a second go at it. But even in the controlled environment it was scary to see a bull charge at you. I could not imagine hundreds of them charging at you. NUTS!

jovanone

Jul 7, 2008 | 7:21 AM

Mark,

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona Spain as you described is part of Spain's "culture,” not ours, so what do we care if some of these people want to run with the Bulls and maybe risk getting gored, it’s run at your own risk. For them it’s just as exciting as you described in your blog, riding a rollercoaster, parachuting or bungee jumping. I say go for it!!!!

As far as the killing of the bulls, after the bull fights are over there is a big feast where everyone enjoys the meal.

sirB

Jul 7, 2008 | 10:44 AM

Someday I plan to attend the "Running of the Bulls", but if you think I'd actually run in it, is a load of bull. I want to watch from a cafe with a cold beverage and get a good laugh.

sirB

Jul 7, 2008 | 10:45 AM

They should change the name to the "Running of the Fools".

Graham_Cracker

Jul 7, 2008 | 12:44 PM

jov,

Nobody is "deciding" for them. Most of the posters here are just expressing their disgust with it - which is a very common practice in THIS country.

I too, find this to be abominable. Whether it's a "rush" or "exciting" or not...hey, so is robbing a bank, I'll bet. But either activity is done by some very warped individuals.

"Yay! Let's go torture animals! ...Fun!"
...How stupid.

legendkiller34

Jul 7, 2008 | 1:12 PM

Mark,
So the name of the game is to "outrun a 1000
pound bull with horns" down a narrow street
filled with people who have been drinking
and now are filled with "tiger power"
oh yeah that's fun, 1000 pounds of pissed off
animal complete with horns.
what a better way to spend a saturday.
can you picture it the wife says"honey let's go to the beach today" and the husband says
"noway hon today I become a man today I outrun the bull"

Ten44
Jul 7, 2008 | 1:58 PM

If you watch the videos most of the "brave runners" wait until the bulls and steers go pass them, and only then will the people fall in behind for the chase. It when a bull is separated from the herd that the real action begins.

The animal is confused and attacks anything that moves. Experienced runners try to encourage the bull to continue the run to the ring, at their own peril.

Spanish culture ... nothing like it.

Cut to the video ...

Jakethecat

Jul 7, 2008 | 5:53 PM

OK, my Dad's funniest phrase ever is a perfect fit here--- "professional losers". I am surprised it's only been 15 killed by the bulls. I don't go in for that adrenalin rush stuff anyway, probably seeing all that beef running down the street would just make me hungry for a medium rare ribeye.

lafko06

Jul 7, 2008 | 7:30 PM

You watch and wait
you don't want to be bait
you peek over you're shoulder
you're feet are getting a little colder
you run fast with the crowd
people are screaming it's getting very loud
they've just let the bulls go loose
you don't want to be gored in you're caboose.

jovanone

Jul 7, 2008 | 7:51 PM

I find it funny that so many people are quick to criticizing these peoples tradition. This is something they have been doing for years and if that’s what they like to do, more power to them. To call them losers fools, stupid or anything else for something they believe in is just wrong. The only thing that should really matter here for these people is “It’s the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”.

Mark_Ockerbloom

Jul 7, 2008 | 8:24 PM

javanone,

When in Rome...I suppose...but everyone's entitled to their opinion and you have to admit the whole thing is a little more than a bit bizarre. I do think you're dead on referring to the agony of defeat. Ouch!

sirB

Jul 7, 2008 | 8:38 PM

jovanone,

I personally find it foolish, but at the same time I can understand the need to just get down right crazy sometimes. I meant it when I said I would like to attend, and someday I will. I want to tour Spain and I will do it at this time of year so I can catch it and try and figure out and learn the tradition.

jovanone

Jul 7, 2008 | 9:16 PM

Mark,

Exactly when in Rome... I think I find it more humorous than bizarre.

Chip

Jul 8, 2008 | 10:50 AM

Explain THIS to me: Why should I care if some idiot donates his gonads, or his life, to a bull in Spain?

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Mark_Ockerbloom

I anchor the Fox 25 News at 5, 10 & 11pm and want to hear from you. Feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Member Since: 10/17/2006

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