Indy Hash House Harriers

Everyone has different roles they play. For example, I am a daughter, wife, sister, niece, aunt, social worker, Christian, friend, etc... Chris and I can now add to that list of roles. As of last night, we are now Hashers.

Hash House Harriers (hhh) is a group of adults who get together for a game of hide and seek of sorts. Two "hares" get a 15 minute head start from the "hounds" or "hashers." The two hares bring with them chalk and flour. They create a trail through woods, water, construction sites, or anything they deem appropriate. The rule is that the trail must stay on public property. Being a veteran cross country runner, I figured I had this thing down since in cross country we spend our lives following a line that has been painted on the ground. That is what I expected: a solid line. WRONG! What fun is following a line?

While the hares were out creating the trail, the chalk talk commenced. It was here that I learned the trail might not be as easy as expected. The hares throw down a bit of flour letting the hashers know they are on the right trail but there are also symbols indicating the hashers have reached a intersection and need to search the area to determine the correct direction. The hares also put down marks that can be an incorrect trail. Chris and I ran into one of these last night. After going a quarter of a mile out of our way, we reached a marker that stated we had to count back twelve marks before we would be on the correct trail.

Oh, there is one more thing the hares do to slow down the hashers. The hares put beer on the trail. Amazingly enough, it works! The hares write "BN" in flour which means beer is near and the hashers must search for it. Once found, the socializing that started before the chalk talk begins again. When the beer is gone or the hashers start to get the itch to continue, whistles are blown and everyone picks up where the trail left off.

Last night's trail was an arduous one that weaved through a heavily wooded area and across streams. I managed to roll my ankle which the seasoned harrier behind me saw. He yelled "ankle traps" and the message was passed via yelling to all the runners and walkers that were behind us.

Hashers have their own language as well. When a trail is found, "on-on" is shouted which is then shouted by all those within hearing distance and carried on so every following behind knows. There is also the "on-in", "on-after", "down-down, " etc...

When the trail, which is anywhere from 3-5 miles long, ends, the runners wait for the walkers to arrive and more festivities begin. Virgin hashers are given a ceremony for making it through their first hash. There is much bawdy singing as violations that have occurred while on the trail are given out. Violations are handed down in the form of having to "down-down" a small amount of beer. One virgin hasher wore new shoes. Two others wore shirts with another race logo. Competition in any form is a huge violation so apparently the breast cancer run is competitive enough that wearing the shirt is a violation. Also, the first person to complete the trail commits a violation because for them to have come in first, surely they were running competitively. Chris and I were violated for being too passionate but being that we showed no affection at all (until we were given the violation and I planted a sloppy kiss on him) I think the hasher meant we were too in love. I liked that violation. :) I was also made to "down-down" for having a July birthday. The "down-down" is put into a plastic cup which equals the amount of beer inside of a small dixie cup. When the hashers have finished singing "down-down" and the cup is empty, you indicate that by placing the empty cup on your head...

I could write so much more about this incredibly fun experience but I will have to save some for later. Chris and I will be in Boston next weekend so we will miss the next hash and after last night, we are very sorry to miss any.

As I end this lengthy blog, imagine 30 grown adults running around blowing whistles, shouting to one another, getting lost, drinking beer, and laughing all for any passer buyer to see. Who wouldn't want to do it again?