Two runners undergo brain scans as latest Pamplona bull run leaves four injures

Two runners undergo brain scans as latest Pamplona bull run leaves four injures – while protesters still claim health and safety has turned annual event into a ‘farce’

  • Two were knocked to the ground during the 930-yard stampede and suffered nasty cuts and bruises today
  • The other two with minor head injuries were taken to hospital but are reportedly going to be discharged soon 
  • Organisers have sprayed anti-slip chemicals on course and erected steers to stop bulls veering from the road 
  • Adrenaline junkies are demanding safety measures be relaxed as they claim festival is losing its tradition 

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Adrenaline junkies are continuing their fightback against a ‘farcical’ health and safety clampdown on this year’s Pamplona bull run, despite two runners being rushed to hospital today for brain scans.

A total four revellers suffered nasty wounds as they sprinted through the cobbled streets of the Spanish city this morning in the seventh bull run of the 2019 San Fermin festival.

Two were knocked to the ground during the 930-yard stampede away from the rampaging bulls and sustained cuts and bruises while the pair who were dealt head minor injuries are expected to be released from hospital soon.

These runners add to a growing list of people who have been hurt during the famous bull run, including one man who earlier this week was gored in the arm. 

A total four revellers suffered nasty wounds as they sprinted through the cobbled streets of the Spanish city this morning in the seventh bull run of the 2019 San Fermin festival

Organisers have sprayed anti-slip chemicals on the 930-yard course and erected steers (pictured) to stop the bulls veering from the road

Organisers have sprayed anti-slip chemicals on the 930-yard course and erected steers (pictured) to stop the bulls veering from the road

Ouch! One bull lifts a runner up by the groin before tossing him back down to the sandy bull ring at the end of this morning's race

Ouch! One bull lifts a runner up by the groin before tossing him back down to the sandy bull ring at the end of this morning’s race

Four injured runners add to a growing list of people who have been hurt during the famous bull run, including one man who earlier this week was gored in the arm

Four injured runners add to a growing list of people who have been hurt during the famous bull run, including one man who earlier this week was gored in the arm

Adrenaline junkies are continuing their fightback against a 'farcical' health and safety clampdown on this year's Pamplona bull run, despite two runners being rushed to hospital today for brain scans

Adrenaline junkies are continuing their fightback against a ‘farcical’ health and safety clampdown on this year’s Pamplona bull run, despite two runners being rushed to hospital today for brain scans

Hardcore thrill-seekers have been demanding that this ream of safety restrictions be relaxed to preserve the 'essence' of the traditional festival

Hardcore thrill-seekers have been demanding that this ream of safety restrictions be relaxed to preserve the ‘essence’ of the traditional festival

Unlike previous years, there have been no deaths during the festival which has obviously been welcomed by the organisers who have sprayed anti-slip chemicals on the course and erected steers to stop the bulls veering from the road.

But hardcore thrill-seekers have been demanding that this ream of safety restrictions be relaxed to preserve the ‘essence’ of the traditional festival. 

Alberto Buitrago from Valencia said: ‘It’s losing its essence. It’s too big. The use of anti-slip chemicals means the bulls don’t fall. There’s also the issue of the tame steers being used this year.’

David Huerte from Madrid also told Euronews: ‘You spend a lot of money to come here and risk your life but over the years, more importance has been given to the control of the bulls. It’s a shame.’

Sit-in protests have been preceding the races, with posters declaring: ‘Stop neutralising the bull-runs!’ 

Two were knocked to the ground during the 930-yard stampede away from the rampaging bulls and sustained cuts and bruises while the pair who were dealt head minor injuries are expected to be released from hospital soon

Spectators watch from behind the steers erected by the organisers to stop the bulls from veering off the course and into the crowd

Spectators watch from behind the steers erected by the organisers to stop the bulls from veering off the course and into the crowd

The festival of San Fermin, locally known as Sanfermines, is held annually from 06 to 14 July in commemoration of the city's patron saint

The festival of San Fermin, locally known as Sanfermines, is held annually from 06 to 14 July in commemoration of the city’s patron saint

A reveller falls next to fighting bulls and shields his head as the animals charge past during this morning's seventh race of the 2019 event

A reveller falls next to fighting bulls and shields his head as the animals charge past during this morning’s seventh race of the 2019 event

Simon Staines (left with his brother Paul), 49, from Wembley, north London, fractured his collarbone during the third bull run of this year's event

Simon Staines (left with his brother Paul), 49, from Wembley, north London, fractured his collarbone during the third bull run of this year’s event

Their railing against the safety measures comes after a British man was reportedly left in agony with his left ankle bone sticking out of his skin following a tumble. 

Simon Staines, 49, from Wembley, north London, fractured his collarbone during the third bull run of this year’s event.

His brother Paul, who founded the Guido Fawkes political gossip blog, told local media he began to fear for Simon when the pair became separated.

Simon was operated on after being rushed to hospital from Calle Estafeta, the latter part of the course leading to the bullring which the brothers always run.

He was still a patient at Navarra’s Hospital Complex on Thursday lunchtime, the last day medics released information on his condition.  

Runners, including one sporting a Chelsea FC jersey, sprint away from the stampeding bulls towards the ring at the end of the course

Runners, including one sporting a Chelsea FC jersey, sprint away from the stampeding bulls towards the ring at the end of the course

A wild cow flings a runner off his feet at the end of this morning's race in Pamplona for the annual San Fermin festival

A wild cow flings a runner off his feet at the end of this morning’s race in Pamplona for the annual San Fermin festival

One runner is knocked sprawling on to the sand after a bull charged at him with his horns and collides into him

One runner is knocked sprawling on to the sand after a bull charged at him with his horns and collides into him

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