Fourth running of the bulls of San Fermín | The Victoriano del Río bulls leave space for the bravest.

The people of Madrid are regulars at the San Fermín festival. They travel in groups to Pamplona, ​​enjoy the race, leave a good impression, and continue to do so until the following year. The bulls, I mean. Those of Victoriano del Río , who lives in the town of Guadalix de la Sierra.

This was the fourth running of the bulls of San Fermín, the fastest of the festival so far, under two minutes and 20 seconds . A lightning bolt, a breath of fresh air.

The race could have been very rewarding for a few runners, those who had the fortune, skill, and legs to take advantage of the gaps left by the bulls in the herd. And it's been that way since the start of Santo Domingo, when the entire group was ahead, well-directed by the steers, who did their job. However, two of the black-coated horses were a little behind, and some of the most capable of this section put in very short, electric, and intense runs . Bravo to them.

The situation continued until the Town Hall , when one of the chestnut trees began to take the lead and cast a few threatening glances at the young men, especially upon reaching the Estafeta curve, although without consequences.

From the start of the stretch, the race became increasingly difficult. Curiously, it wasn't the bulls that were putting the runners in the most difficult position, but their own teammates. Dozens and dozens of experienced runners were forced to retreat after only a few meters in front of a steer. A missed opportunity, and until another day.

Even so, since the pack wasn't completely compact, there was a chance to see some good races amid the usual grabbing and pushing. Replays and slow motion helped separate the wheat from the chaff.

As we passed the Telefónica fence, time stood still, as it has every July 10 since 2009, the year a gang member killed young Daniel Jimeno . A handful of flowers tied to the fence commemorated his memory.

There have been fewer problems, fewer crowds, and fewer overwhelmed young men than in previous bull runs. The reason could be the slightly lower turnout compared to other days.

According to the provisional medical report, there were no injuries from bull horns, although several were transported for trauma.