Running With the Bulls crowns two new winners
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Joe Lepage Photo
The Strathmore Stampede’s Running With the Bulls saw two new champions crowned over the course of the weekend, each walking away $1,000 richer, and with a shiny new belt buckle.
This year’s event, differing from previous years, had only two heats instead of three. This was due to the bulls brought to the arena being the most aggressive and lively that have been seen in the last 20 years.
Saturday’s run saw Lou Prefontane from Calgary taking home the win, costing him a broken arm in the process. His run was the first time he had participated in Running with the Bulls.
“I just broke my arm pretty good, but as long as I got the prize money, that is all that matters,” he said. “I heard about this from my best friend, and she has never done it before. It was really bad advice.”
Prefontane added he was motivated by the $1,000 bounty to come out and give it a go and would be willing to participate again.
To those who are considering participation in the event or are on the fence about it, he simply said “don’t,” as he was escorted to an ambulance.
Sunday night’s victor was Zack DeVries, who had also singed up to participate in the event for the first time this year.
He explained he had heard about the event from his sister, and joining in was a very off-the-cuff decision.
“Physically it is okay. I will tell you, bulls do not have (expletive) on bald eagles … you get tagged by a bald eagle, you get salmonella. At least with a bull, it is like getting into a bad bar fight,” said DeVries. “I totally would love to do it again. I have been a country guy all my life and I think this solidifies it. I think that this really grabs me by the grassroots, gives me inspiration to continue on in my life and do better things. I am really positive, I am really happy about this.”
DeVries suggested to anyone considering their own participation in Running With the Bulls, or otherwise, to simply go out and do things to make them feel good, and make their lives better.