The 11th Annual “Running of the Bulls” will take place in Historic Downtown Pensacola on Saturday, Oct. 8, to benefit USO of Northwest Florida. This event is a tribute to Pensacola’s Spanish heritage and will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 6, with a Spanish Wine Dinner.
The Spanish Wine Dinner is hosted by Seville Quarter at Apple Annie’s and features food pairings selected by Seville Quarter’s Executive Chef, Jason Duckworth, as well as fantastic wines from Winebow’s Miguelito. The cost is $75 per person (gratuity not included.) A portion of the dinner sales will go directly to the USO. Reservations are required and will be limited to 80 guests. Make your reservations today by calling 850-434-6211.
The Running of the Bulls main event will begin Saturday’s Encierro, a reenactment of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls. This annual event, made famous by author Earnest Hemingway, includes participants chased by angry horned bulls. The Seville Quarter Encierro features a meaner breed of bulls—members of the West Florida Roller Derby dressed in costumes that are not soon forgotten! Come try and outrun the Derby Girls if you dare.
The first cannon will fire at the start/finish line at Seville Quarter at 9a.m., releasing the runners onto the approximately 1.5-mile course around Downtown Pensacola. Soon after, the second cannon will fire, and the “Bulls” will be released wielding whiffle bats to chase down the runners. Costumes are encouraged and awards will be given in several fun categories. Runners, walkers, strollers, and children are welcome.
Registration cost is $30 and includes a St. Fermin Commemorative T-shirt and USO bandana, as well as a wristband for complimentary beer and soft drinks at the post-event awards ceremony. Register at www.pensabulls.com.
Online registration closes at midnight on Oct. 6. Packet pickup and late registration will be available on Friday, Oct. 7 from 4–7 p.m. and from 7-8:30 a.m. the morning of the event at Seville Quarter. Late registration is $40 and T-shirt sizes and quantities are not guaranteed, so register today.