Each year the Running of the Bulls happens in Spain and each time if you are adventurous like me, you say to yourself, “I would love to do this sometime.”
Lucky for you, there is a way to begin to train for such an international adventure and it happens on the streets of downtown Grand Rapids each year with the Grand Raggidy Roller Derby’s annual Running of the Bulls.
Unlike the famous El Encierro (The Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona, Spain, the only risks here are skinned knees and possibly a hangover the next day as our local roller derby girls take to the streets on roller skates to chase participants at this upgraded beer crawl.
Unlike El Encierro, our Grand Raggidy Roller Derby skaters will be acting as the bulls and those who attend will be the brave souls who venture from bar to bar at this day-drinking festival.
The registration for the event starts at Peppino's Downtown Sports Lounge (130 Ionia Ave. SW) at 11 a.m. and includes stops at Stella's Lounge, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Gardella's, and the Pyramid Scheme.
After the last stop, you return to Peppino’s for a dance party. And lest you think “bulls” can’t dance, have I got news for you: our local team really knows how to have a good time on the dance floor.
Key Details: registration is at Peppino’s from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the Bulls being unleashed at 12 p.m. A small payment of $10 will get you a Running of the Bulls bandana and a wristband that gives exclusive access to discounts, games, and prizes throughout the day’s run.
You have a lot of choices this weekend for sure but come on, none of them can even compare to the chance to run with the bulls (and without the risk of a goring from our girls…unless you are mean. Then in that case, keep your med card handy.)
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