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NEXT HASH#78 2/11or18/2012 Start 3PM LOCATION (TDA) Hares are WEE THING - JUST ERIK

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Hashing . . . it's a mixture of athleticism and sociability, hedonism and hard work, a refreshing escape from the nine-to-five dweebs you're stuck with five days a week. Hashing is an exhilaratingly fun combination of running, orienteering, and partying, where bands of harriers and harriettes chase hares on trails through town, country, and desert, all in search of exercise, camaraderie, and good times.

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 followed 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 iced-down beer.

Hashing died out during World War II (Japanese occupying forces being notoriously anti-fun) but picked up in the post-war years, spreading through the Far East, Australia, and New Zealand . . . then exploding in popularity in the mid-70s. Today there are thousands of Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world, with newsletters, directories, and even regional and world hashing conventions.

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 chalk, flour, or paper, and the trails are never boring . . . we run streets and back alleyways, but we also ford streams, climb fences, explore storm drains, and scale cliffs. And although some of today's health-conscious hashers may shun cold beer in favor of water or diet sodas, trail's end is still a celebration and a party.

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!

• 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

F Troop's meager beginnings stared in 2006 and meets once a month on the 1st or 2nd Saturday. Runners of all abilities are welcome, though most of the members have no ability whatsoever. Our events occur in Fort Wayne, Indiana and it's surrounding areas.

Here's the deal... One or more people start out running, leaving behind a trail of markings using flour, toilet paper, chalk, or anything else we can throw all over the place without ruining the environment. Later, the rest of us set out, following the marks in an attempt to catch up to and snag them. Seeing as we pretend to be a clever bunch, we call those who set the trail "hares" and those following "hounds." The hares try to outwit the pack by leaving marks to confuse and delay them, though they should remain visible (in theory). This is done by setting false trails, back checks, playground checks, and (most importantly) beer stops along the way. Competitive running is highly discouraged, and may be punished at the discretion of the pack in the form of "down-downs." Some hashers may walk the entire trail. We think of this more as an entertaining way to have a few drinks with some close friends. The length of the trail can vary depending on the time of the hash and the hare's personal preference, but most trails usually range between 3 to 5 miles. At the end of the trail everyone forms a circle, sings vulgar songs and comes up with excuses for our comrades to do "down-downs," or chug beers...like we need a reason! Alcohol and adult language (NC-21) are present, unless the hash is noted as being family friendly (this may happen more often than most think, seeing as several members of the mismanagement have children).

If interested in learning more about the hash, or if you are a local and would like to be a part of this damn thing, email any of the mismanagement at the addresses listed somewhere else on this page. For information on the hashing scene world-wide, Click here to locate a Hash group near you..