USPS Publication Number 16300
THE
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This Community Newspaper is a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
S E RV I N G T H E F I RS T J U D I C I A L C I RC U I T
RUN WITH THE BULLS WEST FLORIDA ROLLER DERBY’S 13TH
Vol. 24, No. 29
July 17, 2024
SummationWeekly.com
1 Section, 8 Pages
Section A, Page 1
ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE BULLS PENSACOLA
By Kayla Tolbert
G
et ready for a day of thrilling roller derby action at the annual Running of the Bulls Pensacola. This year’s race is set to take place on July 20 from 9 am to 12 pm at Seville Quarter, followed by an exciting lineup of post-race festivities. The Running of the Bulls Pensacola is modeled after the world-famous Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain. To maintain the thrilling spirit of the Pamplona bull run without the live animals. The bulls are West Florida Roller Derby skaters and guest skaters from leagues across the region. The menacing derby bulls will be equipped with roller skates, horns and plastic bats, ready to lovingly tap runners along the roughly two-mile course. An afterparty and award ceremony will be held at Seville Quarter immediately following the race. From complimentary beverages and delicious food options to live music, awards, giveaways and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Attendance varies each year, but the West Florida Roller Derby anticipates having around 200 runners participate in this year’s event. Individuals can choose to participate in the race as runners, or purchase a ticket to spectate the action. Funds raised will support the West Florida Roller Derby and promote women’s sports across the Gulf Coast region. This year
marks the first year that proceeds from the run will also benefit the athletes who brought this event to the community. This summer marks the 13th year of the Running of the Bulls event. What started as an event created by a small group of friends in New Orleans, has grown to also become a beloved tradition here in Pensacola. With our historic city’s unique ties to Spain, the Panhandle region is the perfect place to continue the tradition of this funfilled event. The West Florida Roller Derby initially started with two separate leagues, Pensacola Roller Gurlz in 2010, followed by Milton’s league, Emerald Coast Roller Derby. These two leagues combined in 2019 and became a registered 501(c)(3), officially rebranding as the West Florida Roller Derby. Jama Metcalfe, also known by her team name “Stomp,” is one of the original founding members of the Pensacola Roller Gurlz. She plays all positions on the team, but is now transitioning into a leadership role for the Running of the Bulls event. Stomp joined Pensacola Roller Gurlz shortly after moving to Pensacola with the hope of meeting new friends. Traditionally, skaters in the organization select nicknames based on a pun or play on words that relates to one of their personal hobbies or interests. Stomp’s nickname comes from one of her favorite Led Zeppelin songs, Bron-Y-Aur Stomp. According to Stomp, the West Florida Roller Derby’s goals stretch
far beyond the roller rink. “West Florida Roller Derby is more than just fun; it fosters athletic ability, community involvement and provides an environment for personal empowerment,” Stomp explained. West Florida Roller Derby extends a warm welcome to anyone who is interested in learning and getting involved in the sport. No prior knowledge or experience is needed. In fact, the organization even loans out gear to those who are interested but don’t want to make a financial commitment. The team practices at Weber’s Skate World in Milton on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7:15 to 9:15 pm. The West Florida Roller Derby has high hopes that the Running of the Bulls event will grow and become one of the standout events of the summer season in Pensacola. They aim to show the community what dedicated female athleticism looks like while simultaneously engaging and supporting the community. Event proceeds will directly benefit the West Florida Florida Roller Derby and its programs in the community. “While we appreciate our current home track, we would love to be able to fund a dedicated practice space for our team. This would allow us to expand our practice hours and offer more opportunities to push ourselves as athletes,” Stomp explained. Running of the Bulls is a familyfriendly event with activities for everyone to enjoy. The event will kick off at 9 am at Seville Quarter located at 130 E. Government St.
in downtown Pensacola, and will run until noon. Those interested in participating in the race, can register for $30 online at tinyurl.com/PcolaBullRun. Basic registration includes race entry, a commemorative t-shirt and admission to the afterparty at Seville with complimentary beer and entertainment. VIP registration is also available, which includes race entry, a commemorative t-shirt, access to the upstairs VIP area for the after-
party with complimentary food, beer, specialty cocktails and entertainment. Businesses and local groups can also get involved in the 13th annual Running of the Bulls event by registering a team for a Libation Station. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/pcolabullrun. To learn more about the West Florida Roller Derby and other upcoming events, visit the website westfloridarollerderby.com or check out @WestFloridaRollerDerbyFan on Facebook.■
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