Two new Running With the Bulls winners walk away $1,000 richer

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A pair of new Running With the Bulls winners were crowned over the course of the Strathmore Stampede, which took place once again over the August long weekend. 

Due to safety concerns stemming from the event, only medical personnel and runners were on the ground this year.

Sean Mendez, who was Saturday’s winner, said he came out to the Strathmore Stampede on a whim because it was something to do over the course of the weekend. Regarding his run, it was a bit of a different story.

“It was National Girlfriend Day yesterday and the boys said, ‘We choose death,’ so let’s go. I came out with a bunch of guys and we worked as a team out there – it was awesome,” he said. “It was crazy; it was awesome; it was so much fun. I was just thinking about how close can I get.”

Mendez hails from Noble, Ont. and currently resides in Calgary. It was his first time coming out to participate in Running With the Bulls. 

Sunday’s winner, Fabian Orozco, said he was in it for the rush and the excitement of the event. 

“I’m crazy, I do not have anything better to do to be honest. I’m crazy; I do not care about my life; I do not care about anything. I just care about having fun,” said Orozco. “My friend told me about this and he asked if I wanted to go run with bulls, so I said, ‘Why not?’”

Orozco joked that despite never having run before and not having any expectations, he “never loses.”

“Like I am saying all the time, I always win. I do not know how to lose – always be the best of the best,” he said. “It was my goal and I tried twice (to hop on the bulls).”

The 21-year-old Orozco encouraged anyone who was thinking about doing the run to just do it to give it a try. 

Mendez on the other hand, suggested to anyone who does step into the ring, that it may be a wise idea to run fast – and wear their brown pants.