Co-Author of Bull-Running Guide, Bill Hillmann, Is Gored in Pamplona During the Running of the Bulls

American author Bill Hillmann, co-author of Fiesta: How To Survive The Bulls Of Pamplona, was gored in the leg on Wednesday when he tripped during the charge through the streets during the running of the bulls in Pamplona.

Hillmann suffered serious muscle tissue damage, but fortunately none to the bone or arteries, said Mr. Fiske-Harrison, a British writer and amateur bullfighter who ran behind Hillmann on Wednesday.

Fiske-Harrison blamed the accident on a fellow runner, saying that Hillmann was extremely experienced, with "great running technique," but had been pushed.

Fiske-Harrison said, "This is getting more dangerous every year, with more and more people showing up but having no idea whatsoever about bulls. The No. 1 rule is to show respect for the other runners, which many seem to forget."

On Wednesday, a Spanish runner was gored through the chest and was described as being in serious condition by the local authorities. Three other runners suffered small injuries during stampede through the streets of Pamplona's Old Town.

The week long San Fermín festival that dates back to the 13th century became a worldwide phenomenon after Hemingway immortalized it in his 1926 novel, "The Sun Also Rises." The festival continues to attract more visitors, raising security concerns.

This year, the authorities introduced a tougher security code, including fines ranging from 600 to 60,000 euros, for people who are found to be endangering the safety of others, often because of their decision to join the run intoxicated.

Goring accidents may be common, but fortunately few result in life-threatening injuries. The last fatal accident took place five years ago, when a Spaniard was gored in the neck.

Fiske-Harrison said he went to Pamplona this year with friends and the book's other authors, including John Hemingway, a grandson of Hemingway. Hemingway did not run on Wednesday because, "he slept in, which shows a high level of wisdom," said Fiske-Harrison.

Fiske-Harrison said It is "certainly ironic" that a co-author of a Pamplona survival guide should be gored, and added, "We will probably need to update the book."

Read the original story here.

To post a comment, you must register and login.