This year marks the 20th anniversary of Running with the Bulls at the Strathmore Stampede, and it sure has evolved into something quite spectacular since the first time in 2003.
Mark Leboldus was just out of high school when he decided that he wanted try his hand at running with these 1,500-pound animals and since it was the first year that Running of the Bulls was happening, he liked the thrill of getting into the ring.
"Nothing really prompted me too much to go do this except the fact that I was an 18-year-old boy who was full of testosterone."
Leboldus ended up winning that year but because it was a new event at the Strathmore Stampede, they didn't have any prizes for him. He went the following year at 19 years old and ended up winning again and winning some prize money of $1000.
One of the Top Bull fighters in Canada, Tyler Prescott actually lived down the street from Leboldus when they were kids.
"Living down the street from him (Prescott) probably helped me get to get the $1000 prize. We used to just get in trouble out at his, at his family farm there when we were young."
Since his two-time win, Leboldus hasn't been in the ring with the bulls again.
"I haven't gone in it since I just ended up working away all the time, so I was never around."
Leboldus is now married and has two sons that are one and two years old and he will be here with his wife to celebrate this stampede.
"Me and my wife normally get a box, so we will definitely be watching the rodeo."
For the Running with the Bulls 20th anniversary, you will be able to win $1000 and a buckle but a new prize has been added for the best-dressed person that enters the ring.
If you would like to be involved with Running with the Bulls, there is a pre- registration that is already up, and it will be open until July 27. You can also register on the Saturday or Sunday of Stampede at the registration shed which is open from 1:00 - 4:00 on both days.
Strathmore Stampede officially kicks off on August 4 and runs until August 7.
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