First, there’s the obvious: running with the bulls is dangerous. Runners are expected to fend for themselves, and these bulls are not tame in any sense of the word. The good news is that most injuries can be avoided simply by staying away from the bulls. It’s impossible to outrun them for very long, so when they get too close for comfort, carefully move off the road. Other runners will actually pose a greater threat to you than the bulls will. To avoid excessive pushing and shoving by humans, stay on the edges and go with the crowd, not against it.

The San Fermin festival tends to create inconvenient situations that could be dangerous if you aren’t prepared for them. Pamplona’s resources are sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer amount of tourists, and it may be impossible to get a taxi, ride a bus, or even place a phone call. Bring a cell phone and plan your days carefully so you don’t get stranded anywhere.

Keep in mind also that rowdiness is accepted and encouraged during the festival week, and by habit, throughout the rest of the year. Streets are often filled with boisterous drunks, and it is common practice to pour alcoholic drinks out of windows. You can escape all of this by avoiding Pamplona the second week of July; however, it’s usually possible to safely enjoy the festivities if you simply keep your head down and navigate the city with caution.