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History behind the running of the bulls (2015)
01:35 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

Three people were gored Sunday in the last bull run of the year in Pamplona, Spain, bringing the total number of people gored this year to eight, according to local authorities.

The bull run draws daredevils from around the world to the San Fermin festival, which kicked off Saturday in northern Spain with music, parades and bullfights.

The first “encierro” or bull run on Sunday through Pamplona’s old quarter left six people injured, including three who were gored, the Royal Navarre Hospital said in a statement.

The first bullrun of the 2019 San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain, kicked off Sunday.

The hospital said two of Sunday’s goring victims were Australians. One was 27 years old and the other was 30.

Three others suffered injuries ranging from mild to serious, according to the hospital.

The centuries-old bull run tradition takes place each morning over eight days during San Fermin.

Traditionally, the bull run was used as a way of getting the bulls from the city outskirts to the bull ring.

After two rockets are launched, the bulls charge behind amateur daredevils – many dressed in traditional white attire with splashes of red – for 825 meters, which is the distance between the corral and the bull ring, according to the festival website.

Injuries are common during the bull run, which has remained a staple of San Fermin despite animal welfare concerns. In 2018, nine people were injured in the first two days.

CNN’s Susanna Capelouto contributed to this report.