What is Hashing

Hashing is a mixture of exercise and sociability, a combination of running and orienteering, where bands of harriers chase hares on three to five mile long trails through town and country, in search of exercise and friendship. The Hash is not competitive, and walking is perfectly acceptable.

History

Hashing began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a group of British colonial officials and expatriates founded a running club called the Hash House Harriers. They named the group after their meeting place, the Selangor Club, nicknamed the "Hash House." Hash House Harrier runs were patterned after the traditional British paper chase. A "hare" was given a head start to blaze a trail, marking his devious way with shreds of paper, all the while pursued by a shouting pack of "harriers." Only the hare knew where he was going, the harriers following his clues to stay on trail. Apart from the excitement of chasing the hare and solving the clues, reaching the end was its own reward for there, thirsty harriers would find a tub of cold beer.

Hashing died out during the Second World War (Japanese occupying forces not being in favour of the idea) but picked up in the postwar years, spreading initially through the Far East, Australia, and New Zealand, reaching England in the early 1970's. Today there are over 1,400 Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world, with newsletters, directories, and even regional and world hashing conventions.

Hashing Today

Hashing hasn't strayed far from its Kuala Lumpur roots. A typical hash today is a loosely-organized group of 20-40 men and women who meet weekly or biweekly to chase the hare. We follow a flour trail, complete with false trails and checkpoints all on public footpaths and road within the local area. The runs start and finish at a local pub, and although some of today's health conscious hashers may shun a pint in favor of water or a diet drink, the social aspect of the hash is as important as the exercise.

So if you'd like to spice up your running program with fun, good company, new surroundings, and physical challenge, try hashing. Just remember one thing, NEVER wear new shoes to the hash!

Goals of the Hash

From the 1938 charter of the Kuala Lumpur Hash House Harriers

• To promote physical fitness among our members
• To get rid of weekend hangovers
• To acquire a good thirst and satisfy it in beer
• To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel

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