It is said that “If you have half a mind to show up at the Hash, that’s all it takes”!
The OKissMe H3 group was founded near the border of Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida on May 14, 2022 and the website is located at https://okissmeh3.com/ or on Facebook at OKissMe H3 | Facebook Group.
Hash House Harriers (HHH) is a worldwide social running group that combines athleticism with a sense of humor and camaraderie. Originating in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by a group of British expatriates, the Hash House Harriers have since grown into a global phenomenon with chapters in numerous countries.
Hashing is a form of non-competitive cross-country running/walking with the main objective of working up a decent thirst. Great emphasis is placed on the social aspects – particularly the après-hash refreshment session. It’s a fun activity, strictly non-competitive and is not to be taken seriously.
The OKissMe H3 hash starts at various locations and is mostly once a month except special events and we sometimes throw in drinking practice.
The hosts for the event are usually volunteers who are referred to as ‘The Hares’. Their principal responsibility is to set the trail, that is to mark a route out for ‘The Pack’ to follow. This usually consists of flour, chalk, and/or toilet paper (all biodegradable and subject to being washed away from rain. It is dropped, dotted or marked in the tradition of the trail marks briefed at the beginning of the event before the hares leave to lay the trail to make the event like a hunt for the true trail. The Pack set off with the front runners calling “On, On!” when they find the trail for the benefit of those behind.
The trails often include challenges, false paths, and surprises, creating an element of unpredictability and fun for the runners/walkers. Every so often, usually at a junction, there will be a ‘check’ mark which may be in the form of a circle or a line. The frontrunners on reaching the check are tasked with searching for the correct route, which may be in any direction, along paths, streets, even up rivers or streams! This searching enables those with less athletic tendencies to catch up with the aim being that no one is left behind and everyone arrives back at the start point at around the same time.
Beware of the wicked Hare who might well set false trails! These will end in an agreed mark and result in the Pack reversing back on the route they followed, searching for the correct route. Or maybe the trail will follow a route around 3 sides of a field for the front runners, and then short-cut the rest along the single side, thus the front runners become the back markers and must play catch up! We call this a Runner/Walker split and it will be marked as such. Sometimes, to keep the pack closer together, the hare uses this multiple times.
Hash runs are usually 3 – 5 miles long and are designed to last 1 – 1½ hours. Celebrations and socializing après-hash vary greatly and are particular to a given hash, so it’s not too difficult to find a group that you’ll be comfortable with. At OKissMe H3, we curse like sailors but keep it up to the parents if kids can do trail. There is a strict 21 & up drinking law for alcohol.
The Hash House Harriers emphasize inclusivity and socializing as much as physical activity. After completing a run/walk, participants gather at a designated meeting point known as the “on-in” for socializing and festivities. The term “hash” in Hash House Harriers does not refer to the cryptographic concept but rather to the casual term for a restaurant. The post-run gatherings typically involve a mix of food, drinks, and storytelling, fostering a sense of community and friendship among the members. The Hash House Harriers’ motto, “A drinking club with a running problem,” reflects their playful and social approach to both running and socializing.
The cost is usually about $3 and BYOB or $10 to the mismanagement if you want a few drinks from their stash & you were too lazy to go to the store and get what you like! Verify before each trail, because sometimes the hares leave special instructions.
Hashing has become more than just a running activity; it has evolved into a global network of diverse individuals united by a love for running or walking, camaraderie, and a good time. Whether participants are serious runners or casual joggers, the Hash House Harriers provide an inclusive and entertaining platform for people to come together, explore new trails, and enjoy the unique blend of fitness and fun that hashing offers.
If you are not in the Orlando/Kissimmee area; all hash groups are very welcoming, so if you’re keen to give it a try, look in the GoToTheHash.net global directory or follow the (shortcut to Florida) for your closest hash group.
All the Best,
On On!!
OKissMeH3@gmail.com for any questions.