Running of the Bull returns to Dewey Beach June 24

The 26th Annual Running of the Bull will take place Saturday, June 24.

Bull runners meet at the Starboard where they enjoy beverages, loud music and general pre-run festivities. At 2 p.m., the run officially begins. The kids’ portion of the event starts at 10:30 a.m., on the beach between Dagsworthy Avenue and New Orleans Street.

Steve “Monty” Montgomery and his staff at the Starboard are excited to rally the community around a positive, playful event that brings everyone together in the name of fundraising.

Montgomery said, “We get so into the event itself, and the sea of red and white, and the race, and who will be the matador, that sometimes people forget that the whole thing raises money for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. It’s a fun event that really goes in with a purpose.” Over the years, the Running of the Bull has raised a boatload of funds for the fire company, and that’s nothing to shake a matador cape at.

It certainly is an event that paints the town in a color-coordinated, Pamplona vibe. People pour into Dewey Beach for this event, whether it’s the first time they are attending as a Dewey Beach rite of passage, or their 26th time, like founder Michael McDonnell.

McDonnell said, “Last year was big because it was the 25th anniversary, but it was also our first year back in June since COVID, and so there was a cautious optimism around the event. This year, the excitement without the caution has come back to town, and you can feel it.”

Attendees can see dozens of people vying for the title of Best Hemingway and watch grown men and women run down the beach fleeing from two people garbed in a bull costume in the summer heat. Who will be the matador this year? Everyone is asking, but one has to be there to find out. All organizers can say is this year is bound to be a fight to remember.

Led by Dewey Business Partnership Executive Director Kelly Raneiri, the Kids’ Bull Run is an adorable time for all the children to dance, get their collectible Kids Bull Run T-shirt and chase the bull down the beach. Thanks go to the Dewey Business Partnership for giving everyone an opportunity to get in on the fun.

For more information, go to therunningofthebull.com or deweybusinesspartnership.com.