KEY POINTS:
New Zealanders tempted to join the Spanish tradition of running with the bulls should reconsider, the New Zealand Embassy in Spain says.
Their warning comes as a 23-year-old New Zealander, identified as Mike Loomey, was one of 13 people injured while running with the bulls on the first day of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona in northeastern Spain yesterday.
A young Irish tourist also died when he fell off an ancient city wall, the Times Online reported.
The injuries were mostly bruises, cuts and possible broken bones from falls during the run, a spokeswoman for the festival said.
The injured were taken to two local hospitals, she said.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman told NZPA they had not been notified about the New Zealander's injuries.
But an Associated Press photo shows Mr Loomey's bloodied, bandaged but smiling face.
On each day of the festival six bulls are released at 8am (6pm NZT) to run from their pens through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town over an 850 metre course.
Ahead of them are the runners, who try to stay close to the bulls without falling over or being gored.
The bulls face matadors in the ring on the afternoon of each day of Spain's most famous bull-running festival, which ends on July 14.
The New Zealand Embassy in Spain has a message on its website warning tourists against the practice.
"Running with the bulls is dangerous," the site said.
"The run takes place in a narrow crowded alley in which there are two particularly dangerous sections where a number of deaths have occurred.
"Every year a number of people are injured and hospitalised. New Zealanders have been amongst them."
The Embassy advised people not to run, but rather watch the event and enjoy "one of Spain's great festivals".
They also warned about the dangers of being robbed during the festivities and losing important travel documents.
Two years ago another New Zealander was injured while running with the bulls.
The 25-year-old man was hospitalised after his thigh was gored.
A total of 14 people have been killed in the bull run since 1911.
- NZPA
