Things are going to get a little bit messy in Elk River in about six weeks.
The Great Bull Run, featuring a dozen 1,400-pound bulls in a quarter-mile stretch, will make its way to Elk River in May. Photo by Gameface Media courtesy of The Great Bull Run.
For the first time in its brief existence, “The Great Bull Run” is making its way to the Twin Cities exurbs in May, complete with its own version of the “Running of the Bulls” and a tomato fight that would make its Spanish predecessor proud, dubbed the “Tomato Royale.”
Both are influenced by festivals in Spain. The annual Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona, Spain, and was made famous worldwide by author Ernest Hemmingway with his book, “The Sun Also Rises.” And the La Tomatina festival is held later in the spring/summer near Valencia in the tina villa of Bunol, which welcomes thousands of tomato tossers each year.
Elk River’s Extreme Race Park, north of the city on Highway 169, will be the site for both festivals on May 10, with six runnings held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Tomato Royale is then held at 3 p.m. to wrap up the day’s activities.
The party keeps going, however, with a festival that will feature beer, food, games for the kids and plenty more throughout the day and evening at the park. Tents and a stage will be set up, according to The Great Bull Run website.
Tickets to run withe bulls, participate in the “food fight,” or just be a spectator to both events are on sale now courtesy of The Great Bull Run website. You can also “like” The Great Bull Run on Facebook.