Running With the Bulls a stompin’ success!

Times Contributor  

 

Even after 10 years, the Running With the Bulls is still the signature attraction of the Strathmore Stampede.

The marquee event, which took place Aug. 4 and 5 prior to the chuckwagon races, reached the 80 maximum runners with ease and filled the Ag Grounds to capacity on both days.

According to Jim Cammaert, the architect of bringing the Running With the Bulls to Strathmore, the success of the event surprises him to this day.

“I never thought (it would get to 10 years). I thought it was a one shot deal, we’d get some press in the paper … but it sort of evolved into this,” said Cammaert, who stepped down as a director of the Ag Society to become its General Manager a couple of weeks ago. 

“It’s unbelievable – from the people who buy the tickets and the people who run – we’ve sort of hit a formula that works’. 

“Those kids get jacked-up, they’re excited to run and you can tell when they come up there – it’s just straight adrenaline.

“If you listen to (the opening) prayers, it’s about overcoming fear and getting out there – it takes a lot of courage. You can get all pumped up, but when you see those bulls coming down the track, your heart shrinks up.”

The Running With the Bulls was such a success that it featured two $1,000 grand-prize winners on the opening run. Lyalta’s own Justin Bartelen and Duane Mitchell of Quebec were named the co-winners, while Brad Bergerman of Chestermere received a $150 gift certificate for his efforts.

“I went last year and it was something different – I was more scared,” said Bartelen. “This year I knew what to expect and it was great. I wanted to get (the bull’s attention) because it is no good if they are just running. So I (got his attention) when he was waiting there, looking right at me. He stopped enough so I could (toy) with him a little, but turns out he didn’t want to play so he gave me one in the ribs.”

On the second running on Sunday night, Matthew Kennedy claimed the $1,000 prize after being plowed by a bull midway through the event. 

He managed to gain his composure after getting hit and completed the run.

“It was too fast to get scared,” said the 22-year-old Airdrie native. “It was pure adrenaline, I don’t even know what hit me.”

According to Cammaert, people who grew up around farm animals tend to read the bulls better and know when to get out of the way.

“If you know how to read animals, it’s (not as bad),”said Cammaert. “Kids from the city, they have no clue, so they don’t know what they are getting into.

“Bulls are territorial and if you get in their territory, they’re going to move you out of there.”