No tests...no sign ups, just enthusiasm.
Some pointers for would-be runners:
1) When you're down, STAY DOWN. Most idiotic injuries happen when someone tries to get up and then takes it in the tush.
2) Always carry your rolled-up newspaper with you. I don't know why, but take it from a veteran, there's a strange security in knowing that if you need it, you can beat a 600 kg. animal with the daily.
3) If you're in trouble: BAIL OUT...run to the side, jump the "valla", grab a flagpole. Don't try to be a hero. Remember the sign in the pasture: "If you're planning to cross this field, you should be able to do so in 9.6 seconds. The bull can do it in 9.9.
4) Walk the course the day before (for first-timers). Know the angles, corners, uphill grade, etc. Nothing wakes you up in the morning like trying to turn Estafeta with 100 of your closest corredores, and sliding on the dewy wet cobblestones. (Actually, the bulls do it, too, which buys you time.
5) Pick a tramo, or segment. You can't do it all (see the pasture quote above). When I ran, I got lucky. We started about half-way through and were able to finish in the ring. The runs normally take about 2m 30s to 3 minutes. That day (July 8, 1992...) it took about 8 minutes. It was labeled "un encierro sucio". MTV happened to be filming that day too...the host got scraped by a loose bull. Nice.
6) Don't spend your time looking back for the animals. Most people get tripped because they focus on one direction: backwards. In reality, you're in more danger of being tripped by a slower-moving person in front than by a faster-moving bull from behind.
7) DON'T START TOO EARLY. The ayuntamiento likes to fire off the first rocket a little early to clear the streets of the "wannabees". They all take off like collective bats out of hell, and then when the bulls are really let out, 85% of the crowd is already in the bullring. You'll hear two more rockets: #2 when the animals are let out, and #3 when they're all clear of the corrales at the bottom of the hill below the ayuntamiento. Start looking after rocket #2...about 8:03 a.m.
8) FIND THE BALD MAN. There is a guy there that is like the Michael Jordan of encierros. He is the best runner, and knows exactly what to do whenever. If Correo Español posts San Fermín pics this year, you'll most likely see him in the thick of it EVERY DAY. He's been doing it for years, is an expert, and I only recognize him as "El Calvo". I'll try to find a picture of him, but you'll recognize him when you see him. He's AWESOME.
9) Tell all upon your return.
[ 06-04-2001: Message edited by: CaliBasco ]
"
: Those who post on this board (like me) and those who summer in Wisconsin (like Wolf). Don't fool yourself, Wolfie...you need TWICE the help that the rest of us locos need!!!! 
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