Going for a (Hash) Run

Last week Andrew and I participated in our second consecutive Hash House Harriers run here in Xi’an. Andrew took part in the Hash runs while he was living in Shanghai as a student, but for me this was only my second time. I have to say, it is a total blast. The group is self-described as “a drinking group with a running problem.” It sounds like an odd mixture, but after only my second time I am totally hooked.

The group in Xi’an meets approximately once every 2 weeks for a 1.5 to 2 kilometer run through some area of the city. Fengqing Park is free to the public so we had the chance to run through that beautiful venue this last time. Granted, there was plenty of Chinese staring at us, pointing, laughing, cheering, and encouraging us along the way. How often do Chinese get to see a group of laowais running through the park?

The quirky aspect of these Hash runs is that finding the correct path through the course is part of the challenge. 2 kilometers doesn’t sound like much, but when you are trying to find your way and end up backtracking a lot (as I did last weekend) then you will add quite a bit to the distance. Normally the course is set with small arrows on the ground. More often than I would appreciate, the arrows split off in multiple directions. Andrew and I were designated to run off in the different directions to see which was the right way. Either we would encounter an ‘X’-the wrong way-or more arrows, which would result in a resounding yell of, “On on!” It is quite a bit of fun trying to figure out which is the correct path, even when you end up taking the wrong route more often than not.

After the run, everyone grabs a beer and circles up. The head of the group, The General in this case, leads us off on our toasts. Every week there are different toasts, but we always drink to the one who took the time to set the course. This past week, Andrew and I were toasted for doing the vast majority of backtracking, which was nice. Also, people are given Hash names based on, as far as I can tell, whatever The General decides at the time. So far I have seen Foot Fetish and 69 as names given. I’m sure there will be plenty more to come.

Once the toasts are done, that’s when the real fun begins. Yes, we are all hot and sweaty and tired from the run. But we come to drink. And drink we do. Saturday ended being a very long night for Andrew and I, as well as some other members with whom we went out drinking after the festivities. Seriously, the group bills itself as a drinking group with a running problem and it is totally true. And it is loads of fun. Not to mention the great people you get to meet. Especially living as an expat, it’s nice to get out and meet a bunch of other foreigners and party with them purely on the basis that we enjoy running and drinking, one after the other. I know it sounds like a horrible mix but you get used to it and it becomes all part of the fun. On top of that, we also have some local Chinese who like to come out to join us in our running and partying. It’s a great mix of foreigners and locals; a very diverse group from all different walks of life.

Hashing started in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1938 by a group of British soldiers and expatriates whom began meeting on Mondays to go running so as to recover from drinking the previous weekend. And no, Hash does not refer to the marijuana-based drug. It refers to the particularly bad food at Selangor Club Annex where the members originally met to begin and end their runs. By 1950, the Hash House Harriers had the following constitution:

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

The club pokes fun at itself as much as it takes itself seriously. When we all circle up, the toasts are called “down-downs” and are sometimes done on a completely made-up basis. It’s all in good fun and everyone has a great time, though one thing is for sure: drinking is not optional, it’s mandatory. For example, one odd rule is that if you wear new shoes to a Hash, you have to drink beer out of it after the run. The rules are not really enforceable but it’s all part of the spirit and the fun to comply with them, no matter how weird they may seem to be.

There are over 1900 hash groups in 1238 cities in 183 countries. Chances are there is a group near you, no matter what part of the world you are in. If you enjoy both drinking and running, and would like the opportunity to hang out with a group of people who will promote a welcoming, care-free, fun-loving environment in which to relax and socialize, I highly recommend this group. Do yourself a favor and check it out. You don’t have to run if you don’t want to, but you do have to drink!

Next hash we will be running around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and will end with a barbecue at a member’s house. I can’t wait!

If you’re interested, you can check out this link for more information and find a city near you with a hash group.

Related Posts:

1. Ending the Semester with a Bang!
2. First Snow of the Season
3. Party: On
4. You’re Still a Tourist When You Move Somewhere New