What we’re about
We get some exercise and have a great time doing it. Come be part of the largest non-competitive running club in the world, where all levels of runners and walkers are encouraged. Hashing involves running from a bar, following chalk and flour around a circular trail for 3-5 miles or so, and then returning to the bar for a beer or ten. Bring your dog (sometimes)! Or cat (never)! We run, drink, sing, and generally have a silly time. It's a fun activity that should not be taken seriously in any way.
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What does it take to be a hasher? Not much. Showing up to a hash makes you a hasher. No membership fees, magazine subscriptions, or special kool-aid is necessary.
How does it work? Well, by the time you show up to a hash, the hares (the ones who make our trail) have already hidden extra beers at a secret location on the trail, and have returned to socialize and drink. Once all the hashers have arrived, the marks they will be putting on the ground to lead us toward the beer are explained. The marks are generally made using flour or chalk. Then the hares get a 15-minute head start, and during that time we finish our beverages and warm up a little.
The hash itself is a version of a kid’s game called hares and hounds. In the real game, the hares use flour or paper to lay a trail for the hounds to follow. Ours works the same way only with dead ends, wrong turns, and beer. Now, if you are a slow runner or a walker, the fast bastards ahead of you have already solved all of the wrong turns and ideally, everyone gets to the beer stops at the same time. Additionally, being a front-running bastard is generally discouraged. If you want to train for an ultra marathon, we may tease you a bit.
Often, the trail is a big loop, passing through bars, wilderness, streets, beer stops, apartment complexes, and other places before somehow ending up back at the beginning. Once at the beginning, we participate in a “circle” where we drink more and eat snacks, and have a generally good time, before picking an “On-After” bar for an optional cool-down beverage.
What to expect: As a hashing virgin (yes, you’re a virgin again… technically), we will pretty much just socialize with you and try to convince you that, like yourself, we don’t really run all that well either. You won’t have to bring cash either, because your first hash is free. There will be water and/or beer provided for you, as well as some food at the end.
You will need to bring a drinking vessel to partake in the mid-trail shared cocktails. This can be anything that holds liquor: an empty beer can, a fancy flask, or your cupped hands.
Still interested? Check the front page of this site for all of the upcoming hashes and just show up. (Look for people in running gear, long socks, and no shame standing around in a parking lot or in a bar.)
