MADRID (AFP) - A man in his 60s died on Sunday after being gored in a bull run in Spain, bringing the total number of deaths to 12 this year, the deadliest in 15 years.

The man died on the spot at the start of the run in the central town of Cuellar.

"The descent was rapid and dangerous," the organisers of the run said.

"One of the bulls gored a person who was on the urban side of the run," which then goes on to the countryside.

The run at Cuellar, a town with a population of 10,000 north of Madrid, is one of the oldest in Spain and dates back to the 13th century.

Most bull runs are held in August and September when towns hold festivals in honour of patron saints.

Nearly 16,000 town festivals will include bull events this year, nearly 2,000 more than last year, according to culture ministry figures.