The thrill of running alongside 1500-pound bulls in Pamplona, Spain is finally coming to the United States.
Beginning February 7, adrenaline junkies from across the country will gather in Cave Creek, Arizona for the first of four “Running with the Bulls” events.
The historic running of the bulls originated in Pamplona, Spain, in which the most famous run takes place during the seven-day festival of Sanfermines each year. It involves running in front of a small group of bulls that have been let loose on a course of a sectioned-off subset of the town’s streets.
Since injury records began in 1910, there have been a reported 15 deaths — the majority being caused by gorings. Every year, on average, approximately 250 participants are injured during the run, according to “The Bull Run,” written by the Council of Pamplona.
The first 2014 event — one of four nationwide — is already expecting 3,000 runners and 10,000 – 15,000 attendees.
“This is the original one in the U.S. This will be our 6th event over the past decade,” investor Chuck Warren told The Daily Caller.
Warren continued, “They have to sign a waiver and there are various gates along the track that allow people to get out if they feel the need. The bull’s horns are rounded off or capped — so they’re not sharp like they are in Pamplona, Spain. Someone can not get gored. They are rodeo bulls. Obviously we will not allow inebriated people on the track.”
Thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded to some of the most daring participants in each heat. With 12 heats in every event and each heat having a winner, athletes with the most “running points” scored over two days have the possibility of winning a $5000 grand prize.
Each event will also include a charity run, where 50% of the proceeds will go to the Operation Hawkeye charity, an organization whose mission is to honor and support the families of fallen special operations service members.
The Arizona event will also boast a special grand prize — an entire box suite for an Arizona Cardinal’s Football game that comes with $250 in food credit.