USPS Publication Number 16300
THE
SUMMATIONWeeklyy
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 Vol. 25, No. 29
July 16, 2025
SummationWeekly.com
1 Section, 10 Pages
Section A, Page 1
RUNNING OF THE BULLS PENSACOLA
WEST FLORIDA ROLLER DERBY BULLS CHARGE THE DOWNTOWN STREETS
By Darien Hardy
T
he West Florida Roller Derby (WFRD) is rolling back to the streets of downtown Pensacola for its 14th annual Running of the Bulls Pensacola race. 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 played by WFRD skaters and guest skaters from leagues across the region. The fearsome derby bulls will be equipped with roller skates, horns and plastic bats. They will be ready to gently tap runners along the 2K fun run course through downtown Pensacola, which starts and finishes at Seville Quarter. An afterparty and award ceremony will also be held at Phinneas Fogs inside Seville Quarter immediately following the race. From complimentary beverages—such as soda and beer—and delicious food options—like Al’s Sandwich Shop and Ice Cream and Marco’s Pizza—to live music, costume contests, awards, giveaways and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Running of the Bulls Pensacola was inspired by a similar event in New Orleans after an organizer attended the race, and it has since become a beloved summer tradition in Pensacola. With the city’s historic and unique ties to Spain, the Panhandle region is the perfect place to continue the tradition of this fun-filled event. Running of the Bulls originally raised funds for the United Service Organizations (USO) until three years ago, when the WFRD officially took it over. This year’s
fundraising will directly support WFRD’s operating expenses and ensure that the organization is able to keep the league rolling with low membership fees. 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 WFRD. WFRD is dedicated to empowering athletes of all backgrounds through the fast-paced, fullcontact sport of roller derby by fostering an inclusive and supportive community that champions athleticism, resilience and camaraderie—both on and off the track. Through teamwork, dedication and fierce competition, WFRD strives to inspire confidence, break barriers and promote the growth of roller derby in the West Florida region. WFRD’s mission is to create a space where skaters, officials and fans alike can thrive, challenge themselves and find strength in every stride. WFRD extends a warm welcome to anyone who is interested in learning and getting involved in the sport, either as a skater, a referee, or even a supporter on the sidelines. No prior knowledge or experience is needed. The organization even loans out gear to those who are interested in the sport but don’t want to make a financial commitment. WFRD will host an informational meeting for anyone interested in joining on July 2 at 7:15 pm at Weber’s Skate World in Milton. Breezie Seitz, WFRD Running of the Bulls Pensacola Coordinator, will be in attendance as her roller derby moniker, Clever Girl.
“We are still having floods of registration for both runners and roller derby [racers],” Seitz said. “If you’ve been in Pensacola’s derby community or into roller derby, we will have a lot of our local celebrities that a lot of people recognize. We have clOverkills—she’s pretty popular at the Bull Run. She has some great horns and has won many awards. We have Audrey Hipburn, who is very active in our community. If you’re involved in the derby community in Pensacola or anywhere on the Gulf Coast, you’re definitely going to recognize those.” WFRD has already received registrations from racers and runners from across the region, including some traveling from Tallahassee, Louisiana and even Texas. 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 WFRD and its programs in the local community. “[Roller derby] is so much fun, and I just hope more people know that roller derby exists,” Seitz said. “It is an amazing sport. So often, people say that they couldn’t imagine themselves doing that, or that roller derby is not for them, but I really feel that roller derby is for everybody within their comfort level. So, I just always say, come out and watch or give it a try if it’s something that feels like it’s calling to you.” Running of the Bulls is a familyfriendly event with activities for everyone to enjoy. Individuals can choose to participate in the race
as runners or purchase a ticket to spectate the action. The event will kick off at 9 am at Seville Quarter located at 130 E. Government St., followed by an afterparty at Phinneas Fogs that will run until noon. Those interested in participating in the race can register online at runningofthebullspensacola. itsyourrace.com. General registration is $40, and includes race entry and admission to the after-party at Seville with complimentary beers, sodas and entertainment. VIP registration is also available for $60, which includes early race entry, a commemorative t-shirt, access to
the upstairs VIP area for the afterparty, bottomless champagne (while it lasts) and entertainment. Businesses and local groups can also get involved in the Running of the Bulls event by registering a team for a Libation Station. This year’s race is set to take place on July 19 at 9 am with an after-party at Seville Quarter from 11 am to noon. For more information about the race, visit @bullrunpensacola on Facebook. To learn more about the West Florida Roller Derby and other upcoming events, check out the @WestFloridaRollerDerbyFan profile page on Facebook.■
Photos courtesy of West Florida Roller Derby
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