Running with the Bulls: Field Ethos Outrider’s Insane, Life-Charging Joyride

I've done things - hunted in Tajikistan, Russia, Australia, Croatia, hell I tried bungee jumping in Mexico. But way at the end of my bucket list, put there when I started a list over 25 years ago (when dialup internet was a thing) - was an adventure that didn't involve guns or dudes checking a bungee harness after a belt of tequila - it was the San Fermin Festival. Popularly known as the "Running of the Bulls" in the tiny town of Pamplona, Spain. The insanity of navigating a narrow cobblestone street with six Spanish fighting bulls bred for wreaking havoc hot on your tail while out front are fellow runners equally insane but tripping, dodging and piling up, creating obstacles while hell beats on your back door. Yup, that’s my kind of adventure cocktail.

Pamplona was a powder keg of anticipation, and I was ready to light the fuse. Make it through the chaos in the street? Keep going. There’s more. Run through the tunnel of the Plaza de Toros stadium into an arena with pure, fist-pumping glory - the crowd roaring, seats packed, feeling like Maximus - until BAM! The gate slams shut and a single extremely pissed bull enters and suddenly it’s you vs. 1200 pounds of “I’m here to ruin your day.” The mob ebbs and flows, you’re catching glimpses of horn until suddenly the crowd scatters and you’re locking eyes with a four-legged freight train that’s about to make the Big One on the last lap of Talladega look like a fender bender.

And that’s all BEFORE 9AM! The rest of the day? Sipping sangria, swapping “I almost died” stories, and then diving headfirst into the biggest party on the planet. Bars spilling into streets, random marching bands, entire blocks of strangers bursting in song, it’s a celebration that makes Times Square on NYE look like a library sleepover.

The dress code is all white, all the time. Add a touch of red for cultural history’s sake and you’re good to go. Get caught without the proper attire and you risk being doused with sangria (which in all honesty may happen anyway, it’s that kinda party). 

Not interested in risking a hoof to the face? No problem. The excitement isn’t only at street level - FE Outrider booked the best balconies for the best viewing and it beats any Super Bowl party. Overlooking the run, oohing & ahhing with every near miss and derring do’s by runners, the colors, flags, and raw energy is all the rush and none of the hospital bills.

Hosted by Field Ethos’ Mike Schoby and Peter Correale, our group bonded by the “Global Hunt For Adventure” vibe, strangers turned kindred spirits in days, united by our mutual love for chasing thrills nobody else gets. 

Field Ethos Outrider didn’t just deliver a trip—they poured gasoline on my adventure fire, crafting a heart-racing, culture-soaked odyssey. No gear, no guns, just pure adrenaline, vibrant Spanish culture, and camaraderie that’ll last a lifetime.

Chip Hunnicutt