The 9-day long San Fermin festival kicked off in style on Thursday at 8am, with the first run of the bulls. The run was a success, with only two people being injured with cuts and bruises.

The run lasted two minutes and thirty seconds, and the experts say that the bulls behaved impeccably and ran at a relatively slow speed. The number of people who turned out this year was down on recent years, more notably, the elder runners.

This year the festival is expected to attract over one million tourists who come to watch the bulls and runners charge down an 850 meter course. Although the majority of tourists are happy to watch the runs from afar, some do partake in the runs themselves and every year.

Each year sees between 200 and 300 injured persons, most of which hurt themselves after falling over. Some on the other hand, so get gored by the bulls! 2 years ago was the latest death when a 27-year old Spaniard was impaled by one of the bulls, with its horns piercing his heart, neck and lungs.

This year organisers say that the safety measures have been increased so that participants and spectators alike can walk away injury free.

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