Thousands run with the bulls in Pamplona

Several people were trampled today as thousands took part in the first bull run of the San Fermin festival along the cobbled streets of Pamplona in northern Spain.

Several people were trampled but not seriously hurt today as thousands took part in the first bull run of the San Fermin festival, dashing along the slippery cobblestone streets of the ancient city of Pamplona in northern Spain.

“Running ahead of bulls is life and I wanted to feel alive,” said Ray Sabbatini, aged 36, of Wisconsin, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and was accompanied by his friend Dennis Rodman, the retired National Basketball League star.

“I wasn’t afraid,” said Rodman, wearing sunglasses and still looking muscular, tattooed and larger than life as he ate oxtail stew at a café following the bracing two-minute run. “I like strong emotions.”

None of the runners was gored, and only four injuries were serious enough to require treatment. Two bulls skidded and fell, as did some runners after a night of rain left the streets slippery.

“So far there aren’t serious injuries, but there’s a lot of people with little experience and we have a lot of work,” said Mikel Eusa of the Red Cross.

Policeman Jose Ramon said he prevented two Australians from taking part out of concern for their safety: “They had a lot to drink and I didn’t let them by.”