image from The Great Bull Run site

While doing some reading online I came across some news that really surprised me 

According to a Yahoo article written by the AP, the U.S. will have it’s own running of the bulls.

The events taking place around the U.S. are called The Great Bull Run. 

For 2013, runs will take place in three cities- Virginia, Atlanta and Houston. They are even organizing bull runs for 2014 (seven cities) before testing out the idea. 
The Great Bull Runs will be one day events while in Pamplona, Spain the events go on for a week. Other activities will be planned like a tomato fight so you can also do some safer things for fun.

The bull runs will be done a bit differently and hopefully safer in the U.S. Regardless of this, all entrants will have to sign a waiver before running. 

How will the U.S. bull runs differ?

• Instead of taking place on narrow streets, “fencing will be used that will include coves, or notches so participants can get out of the way quickly”. (This sounds so much safer now!)
• According to the article- organizers are partnering with ranches who supply the bulls. Spanish fighting bulls are not being used so these bulls should be less aggressive. 

Getting the opportunity to be chased by a bull does not come for free. It comes at a fee of around $40-$60 depending on location and how far in advance you sign up.

It sounds like demand is high for these bull runs. So far about 5,000 people signed up for the first run in Virginia on August 24 and around 2,000 for the Atlanta event which takes place in October. Race organizers expect from 5,000- 7,000 participants in Atlanta.

I don’t know about you but my idea of fun is definitely not running for my life while a bull (weighing a couple thousand pounds) chases after me. 

How about you? Are you interested in running with the bulls in the U.S. or Spain?

If so head on over to The Great Bull Run site to sign up for one of their events HERE. Just don’t expect to see me there.