Running of the bulls kicks off in Pamplona, Red Cross says 4 injured but no one gored

Running of the bulls kicks off in Pamplona

PAMPLONA, Spain — Thrillseekers have sprinted through Pamplona in a swift and relatively clean start to the running of the bulls.

Spanish Red Cross spokesman Jose Aldaba said no one was gored in Tuesday’s run but four people were hospitalized with bumps or bruises.

The six fighting bulls and six bell-tinkling steers meant to keep them in a pack stayed together for much of the 850-meter (930-yard) dash from a holding pen to the city’s bull ring. That’s good because a stray bull can get spooked and is more likely to charge at people.

Spanish Television said about 2,000 people took part in the first of eight runs at the famed San Fermin festival.