The Spectator

Barometer | 18 July 2013

issue 20 July 2013

Running scared

Three participants were gored at the Pamplona bull run. The event has reputation for danger, but how risky is it?
—Since 1910, 15 deaths have been recorded, the last in 2009. Five of the deaths have been since 1980.
— Counting of the participants began only 2011, when 20,500 people were recorded as taking part in the eight bull runnings of that year. If this is typical it suggests a mortality rate of about one in 140,000.
— This compares well with another mass outdoor event: the London marathon. Since 1981, there have been eight deaths during or immediately after the marathon. Over 32 years the number of participants has grown from 6,500 to 32,000, suggesting a mortality rate of approximately one in 67,000, or about twice that of the bull run.


Taking sides

Two sprinters, Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay, tested positive for banned substances.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in