News
Sanse prepares eight bull runs with new traffic and safety restrictions
San Sebastián de los Reyes is preparing for one of the most crowded moments of its festivities. Between 25 and 31 August, eight bull runs will be held, seven in the morning and one at night, with specific rules for runners and a mobility arrangement affecting several streets in the municipality.
Runners must be at least 16 and physically fit enough to run in front of the bulls. Participation will also be prohibited for people showing signs of having consumed alcohol, drugs or narcotic substances.
Runners may not carry mobile phones, rucksacks, bags, cameras, bottles, cups, food or other objects that could impede movement either. The City Council also requires suitable clothing and footwear and expressly prohibits heels, flip-flops, sandals or garments that could hinder a fast run.
The route will retain its traditional course along Leopoldo Gimeno, Real Vieja, Postas, Real, Estafeta and avenida Plaza de Toros, ending in the bullring. Between number 92 Calle Real and the entrance to the bullring there will be a zone where runners are not allowed, which will remain closed until each encierro begins in order to prevent dangerous crowding.
The seven daytime encierros will start at 11:00. The major exception will be Tuesday 25 August, when the Encierro del Farol at 22:00 will be added to the morning run. The start of each run will be announced by a single rocket, and it will be forbidden to set off firecrackers or rockets in the preceding minutes in order to avoid confusion and stampedes.
During the run, it will not be permitted to distract, strike, cut across or throw objects at the bulls. The public must remain outside the double barriers, and sections protected only by one barrier will be reserved for those taking part in the encierro.
The festivities will also change everyday mobility in the municipality. The City Council has already activated a special operation that will continue until 1 September and includes pedestrianisation, road closures and specific restrictions during the encierros and other festivities. Between 24 August and 1 September, ordinary pedestrian passage on some streets in the historic centre will even be limited, except for residents.
With thousands of people gathered each morning along a relatively short route, the rules seek to prevent a mobile phone, unsuitable footwear or a crowd from turning a run of a few minutes into an emergency. For residents and visitors, the recommendation will also be to plan journeys in advance and follow Policía Local's instructions throughout the festival week.