Running of the Bull

In a world where things can feel so uncertain, sometimes you need a good, old-fashioned tradition. We need things we can count on, and no one understands that better than Steve “Monty” Montgomery and the entire staff at The Starboard. And this year, one of those things you can count on is The Running of the Bull: it’s tradition. 

The Running of the Bull turns 29 this year because of the Covid time loop that took out a year of shenanigans, and so we all know that next year, for its 30th birthday, there will be a blowout. This year, Bull Run Founder Michael McDonnell wants you to come out and enjoy this event “Just for the sake of silliness.” He says, “There are so many events in our lives that are for REASONS, like because your boss says, or our kids, etc. and this is one of those, it’s an event of silliness for the sake of silliness.” 

If you want to have a wacky and wild time in Dewey Beach and really kick off the season right, then you already know that you’re heading to the Starboard, and if you want to take part in one of Dewey Beach’s most time honored traditions, then it HAS to be The Running of the Bull. At this point, everyone from Gen Z to Boomers has to pass through the gates of Bull Run tradition, or they just simply haven’t known Dewey Beach. 

If this is your first Running of the Bull, here are some things you should know about this time honored tradition: 

1. No actual bulls will be running on the beach (it’s two people in a bull costume). 
2. The Bull will chase the crowd down the beach and back to the Starboard 
3. After the run, the Bull and the Matador face off in the ring and fight to the “death.”
4. There is an annual Hemingway lookalike contest, and you can win cool prizes. 
5. This event is now older than many of the people who attend it. 
6. Sunblock. For God’s sake, wear sunblock. 

As always, this party is not without a cause, as Montgomery believes in partying with purpose and giving back to the community. Proceeds from this year’s Running of the Bull go to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department, another tradition encapsulated in this event!