And they are off to the races.

Dare-devils dash for their lives during the annual running of the bulls in the Spanish town of Pamplona.

They skitter down the village's cobblestone streets, trying desperately to avoid the half-tonne animals.

Five runners were injured Saturday including one man was dragged for several metres.

It marked the first day of bull runs; they will continue until the festival of San Fermin ends on July 14.

Every year, over 200 runners are hurt in the event.

Andrew Raven, Reuters