The runner glanced back and tripped at the base of the tunnel. He scurried on all fours, scrambling. The lone fighting bull smashed into him, sending him flying across the sand. It stabbed his thigh and shook its head like a wolf tearing prey. Runners yanked its tail as it pummeled him into the ground. The bull tossed him aside and raised its chin, prancing through the ring into the corral. The man lay limp and broken.

Medics rushed to attend to him while attendants kicked sand over the bloodstains. Runners wandered around. Some appeared dazed, unsure what to do next. Others basked in the growing applause. Another group clambered over the walls like prisoners escaping from jail. The fourth and final group dropped to their knees. They formed tight rows, placing their foreheads against the earth like Muslims at prayer. They positioned their hands, protecting their skulls.