Running with the Bulls crowns two new champions

Posted on: Jody Production

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thrill-seekers tested their courage during the Running With the Bulls event at the Strathmore Stampede, Aug. 1-2. The popular attraction brought plenty of excitement and cheers as participants attempted to win the $1,000 prize each of two performances.

John Watson Photo

The Strathmore Stampede’s Running With the Bulls crowned two new champions over the course of the event weekend, each walking away with a shiny new belt buckle and the $1,000 bounty. 

Aiden Barrett, an 18-year-old hailing from Airdrie claimed the Saturday title, coming out to make his debut appearance at the event. 

“My friend Darcy (Pochapsky) lives on a farm and he is more associated with cattle than I am. I was just here for the heck of it, but I am so glad I came out. I would do it again,” he said. “It was Darcy and the beer that convinced me. Everyone was like, ‘Oh, don’t be a (expletive) and stuff,’ but my heart was pounding. It was even better than I thought it would be.”

Barrett added despite his anxiety prior to the start of the event, he began to relax as the bulls came charging out of the gates. 

For those who may be considering their participation, he suggested to simply go for it without hesitation or regrets. 

“You’ve got to believe in yourself – you are never going to accomplish anything if you are not confident in yourself. Confidence is the way to go about it,” said Barrett. “This is not my kind of crowd, but when I’m with (my friends), I’ll do anything.”

Jack Dahl, coming in from Athabasca, laid claim to the prize of Sunday night’s competition, also making his debut appearance at Running With the Bulls. 

Taking a more nonchalant approach to the event, Dahl explained he signed up on a whim with some free time to kill before the start of the chuckwagon races. 

“I found out about this by word of mouth from all the other guys around the barns. I’ll probably be around next year; it’s great, you can’t lose. I’m more excited about the belt buckle though,” he said. “(If you’re going to do it), keep your head up, always be looking around. I got hit from the back because I was not paying attention.”

He said that even if you don’t win anything, it is a worthwhile experience to take part in, adding however, he did feel for those who got hit hard by the bulls and walked away with nothing. 

This year’s Running With the Bulls sold out completely for participation both nights of the event.