TERRIFYING, exciting, brave or stupid? Bull running can be called a variety of things, but for six members of Ongar Rugby Club, it was a perfect weekend in Spain.
The annual excursion to Pamploma, now in its third year, is becoming a regular part of the club's calendar, with organiser Ben Whateley-Harris taking the reins.
The 30-year-old, who lives on Ongar High Street, is captain of the rugby club. He said: "It was amazing, incredible and exciting – the third time is definitely the best so far.
"You don't have time to be scared. .
"The festival atmosphere is incredible.
"The adrenaline just keeps you running, ducking, diving and swerving to dodge the bulls. I recommend it to absolutely everyone.
"Even if you don't want to join in the run it is worth it as a spectator alone.
"It is hard to describe the experience to someone who hasn't been there.
"It feels like you're going into a football stadium and then the rush comes and you're getting squeezed and squashed before suddenly you are in the stadium.
"It is packed out and everyone is cheering, you can hear the roar as you come out. It is an unforgettable experience."
When it came to the reasons behind the trip, it could have easily been cheese not bulls that the rugby club members were running away from.
Mr Whateley-Harris explained: "We were looking for something to do that was a little bit different, something that was a bit more adventurous.
"We were going to go to the Gloucester Cheese Roll. It was something a bit dangerous and exciting. However, we couldn't all get the time off.
"Then we looked into the bull running and realised a week out there in Pamplona was the same price.
"The first time was mad, it was over so quickly and you didn't have time to think. The second time, with that little bit more experience, you can try and get to the right places and watch the others do.
"The third time was definitely the best so far. I am hoping the fourth time will be bigger and even better."
Ian Springate, 22, of Ongar Road, Stondon Massey, also went along for the ride: "It was scary, adrenaline crazy and just incredible to do.
"There is a fine line between bravery and stupidity and I am not sure which side we fall."
