On On: A History of the Hash House Harriers

On On: A History of the Hash House Harriers

Hashing is a run (or walk) that involves following (or doing your best to follow) a pre-laid trail, usually marked with paper, flour or chalk. It differs from all other forms of running by being totally non-competitive and should always be followed by drinking a considerable number of beers. Hence the Hash slogan: 'The Drinking Club with a Running Problem'. Hashing originated in Malaysia, sometime towards the end of 1938, with a small group of bachelors (non-athletic men to the core) setting runs on a Monday evening. During the 1960’s hashing started to spread across Asia and today you can find hash groups in virtually every country in the world. They are in fact the biggest running fraternity on the planet. Written by Bob Pateman, who has been hashing since 1982, this is the first detailed history of the Hash from their origins in the English paper chase, to the modern Interhash, a biennial gathering that attracts thousands of runners.