Welcome to HASHING!

No, it’s not what you think. Hashing does not involve any illegal drugs! (Insert smile here) Hashing is nationally, and easily, defined as “a drinking club with a running problem.” It involves athleticism, running or biking, walking, and a little partying. Groups of harriers (males) and harriettes (females) chase an appointed hare on a moderate to long trail through towns, countryside, woods, mud, and sand to the finish line. In the end, all enjoy a good bit of exercise, camaraderie, debauchery. and good times!

Interested yet? Here’s more.

Hashing began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938 when a group of British company men started a hare & hounds running group. They named the group after their meeting place, the Selangor Club, which was also known as the “Hash House”. Hash House Harrier runs were modeled after the traditional British public school paper chase. A “hare” would be given a short head start to lay a trail, marking his way with shreds of paper and special markings on trees or the ground. Soon the “hare” would be pursued by an eager pack of “harriers” following the shreds and deciphering the marks to stay on trail. When the pack reached the end, they would find a tub of ice cold beer.

Hashing died during World War II because the Japanese occupying forces were against civilian fun. However, it revived in the post-war years and spread slowly through Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Then it exploded in popularity in the late 70s and early 80s. Today there are thousands of Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world. If you search the Internet, you can find a Hash Houses in your area.

A typical hash house is usually a group of 20 or more men and women who meet weekly or bi-weekly to run trails. My first hash house was the Wrightsville Beach Hash House Harriers (WBH3) in Wilmington, North Carolina. My husband got me interested in this whole thing last year. He’s been hashing for many years, from North Carolina to Korea. Now, we am running with the Siete Cerveza Hash House (SCH3) in the Fort Walton Beach area of Florida.

The system is basically the same everywhere you go. Prior to start, we send the appointed hare off to lay trail. Fifteen minutes later, an ample amount of time for the hare to get a head start, the fun begins. We follow the chalk, flour, and toilet paper trail. We look on the streets and alleys for the hare’s markings telling us where to go. Some markings are simple arrows pointing which direction to go. Others are circles, usually found at intersections and such, signifying that the trail could go any way. A few hashers head off in each direction to see which direction is true. If it is true trail, there will be a marking saying so. If it’s a false trail, you will see markings illustrating the end.

Sometimes we find ourselves chomping through thick forests or splashing through mud and muck, such environments given the name “shiggy”. Along the trails you may just come upon rather unusual markings, such as two circles side by side with a dot in the middle of each. This, my friend, symbolizes a boob check. This is a check where only harriettes may look for trail. The rest of the pack cannot proceed until a harriette finds true trail. In some hashes, the interpretation of this symbol means hariettes flash the pack before proceeding. Keep in mind it is not mandatory nor are you pressured to reveal any part of your body if you don’t wish to do so.

Once the pack reaches the end, we all enjoy snacks and plenty of liquid refreshments, be it cold beer, water, or soft drinks. Part of ending the run is for everyone to circle up and partake in “Down-Downs”. Note: Make sure when you join the circle you have a beverage in your hand!

Led by the GrandMaster, the Circle consists of awarding “down-downs” for misdemeanors on trail, like pointing with your fingers, wearing brand new shoes, or complaining for example. Visiting hashers and Virgins, those having never hashed before, are always given a Down-Down. Those particular hashers are called to the center of the circle where they are serenaded by the pack with silly songs and dance moves. At the end of the song, when you hear the pack sing “Drink it Down, Down, Down, DownâÂ?¦” that is when they must turn up their drinks. They must drink every drop, or throw the remaining over their heads, and then hold the empty container over top of their heads.

The Circle can last for only a few minutes or hours, depending on the hash house and business at hand. Afterwards, hashers are free to leave or stay and enjoy fabulous food the hare usually provides.

If you still aren’t sure if hashing is right for you, let me tell you about this hash feature: naming. That’s right, in a hash house, you are re-named and known only by that name! I earned my name, Hook-Line-and-Stick’er, after completing 5 runs with the WBH3. Your new identity is largely based on info and secrets the group can pry out of you. Sometimes you do or say something that hashers will name you for. My husband earned the label Furry Palms because his palms kept slipping off his bike handles and crashing when on trails. I was named because I was previously a reporter for a fishing magazine, and I love to go offshore fishing. Thus, the hashers made a play on the words “Hook, Line, & Sinker” to form my new identity.

Wherever you go, whether in your own neighborhood, another state, or even overseas, there is sure to be a hash house harrier pack that you can take part in. Hashers are like family, and you will feel welcome anywhere!

Check www.half-mind.com for a directory of Hash Houses near you! Try it. It’s the best time you will ever have! Like we cheer and shout on a true trail, “On On!”