Hash House Harriers: An International Group of Non-Competitive Running Social Club
It’s unsure whether the Hash House Harriers are “a running group with a drinking problem” or “a drinking group with a running problem”. This is the beer movement you don’t want to miss! Drink beer, Run & Have Fun!
By The Beer Community on Jun. 04, 2016
What are the Hash House Harriers?
The Hash House Harriers is an international organization for people to get together run/walk, enjoy beer, good company and lots of fun. There are branches around the world from North America to the Far East and even in Antarctica. Members are called “hashers” or “hares and hounds” (based on an old British game where “hounds” chase the “hares”). Events can occur as often as once a week to special occasions ie: Friday the 13th.
Video: Hash House Harriers Beer Drinking Running Group
The History of Hash House Harriers:
“HHH” started in Dec. 1938 in Selayang Quarry, Selangor (now Malaysia) when a group of British colonial officers and expatriates began meeting on Monday evenings to run and rid themselves of “the excesses of the previous weekend.” Soon the group’s rationale expanded to include beers along the way. The name “Hash House Harriers” is after the Selangor Club Annex, where several of the original hashers happened to live and dined, known as the “Hash House”.
Video: Hash House Harriers History
Hash House Harriers Group Objectives:
The objectives of the Hash House Harriers as recorded in the club constitution dated 1950 are:
- 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
How Did The Hash House Harriers Become International?
In 1962, Ian Cumming founded the second chapter in Singapore. The idea spread through the Far East and the South Pacific, Europe, North America, expanding rapidly during the mid-1970s. Cumming was widely credited with bringing hashing to the United States and lived outside of New York City, where he continued to hash until his death on August 21st, 2015.
Check out some of the Hasher Clubs around the world:
Port of Spain Hash House Harriers (Trinidad)
Athen’s Hash House Harriers (Greece)
Merida Maya Mayhem Hash House Harriers (Mexico)
Pattaya Jungle Hash House Harriers (Thailand)
Presently, there are almost two thousand chapters (groups) in all parts of the world. With so many chapters, your city most likely has one or you can even travel around the world hashing. If your city does not currently have it’s own Hash House Harriers chapter, MAKE ONE! It’s a great way to combine meeting new friends, “exercising” and enjoying some beer. Happy Hashing!
Now that you’re set on joining a Hash House Harriers Beer Drinking Running Group, here are other articles to inspire more beer-drinking activities:
What is Beer Yoga?
My Quest Through Calgary BeerFest
DIY Bottle Cap Candles
Beer Fest Bucket Lists & Beers From Across The Great White North