Running And Rolling

In the likely case that you’re having a tough time coming up with the skrill for a trip to the famed Running of the Bulls in Pamplona — which takes place today — consider the next-best local alternative: getting pummeled by Rocky Mountain Rollergirls with Wiffle ball bats. The Highland Running of the Bulls is the sort-of brainchild of newly formed nonprofit the Highland Bulls. “In New Orleans, there’s an organization called the Nola Bulls that does a similar thing,” explains Highland organizer Niles Emerick. “We were basically just a group of neighbors sitting around talking, and we just realized it was a perfect way to bring neighbors together around a great cause.”

And aside from the drastically decreased likelihood of getting gored in the ass, the Highland Running of the Bulls has a couple of advantages: one, the proceeds benefit the youth-protection programs at the Tennyson Center; and two, Del Norte Brewing will give you a free beer when the race ends.

Here’s how it works: Gather between Stuart and Tennyson streets on 32nd Avenue starting at around 8:30 a.m. At 9, a whistle blows and you start running. About thirty seconds later, another whistle blows and the Rollergirls start skating. Then you try to avoid getting gently bludgeoned for the eight-block trek down to El Camino Tavern, 3628 West 32nd Avenue, the finish point. But before you do any-thing, sign the release form and register (for $20) at www.highlandbulls.com.

Sat., July 9, 9 a.m., 2011