The Hash House Harriers –‘the running group with a drinking problem’
Guyana Hash House Harriers
Guyana Hash House Harriers

FROM time to time, you may have observed a group of happy-go-lucky people scampering around town, or even through someone’s back yard, seemingly on the hunt for something. 

There’s a name for them: They’re called the Guyana Hash House Harriers, more commonly known as ‘Hashers’.

 Hashers walking along a trail
Hashers walking along a trail

So what’s this ‘Hash’ all about? Well, simply put, they’re “the running group with a drinking problem,” and though they’ve been in existence here in Guyana for over 28 years, the group remains a close-knit, well-kept secret to only those within the fraternity.
In an interview with The Buzz, Assistant Grand Mistress, Elke Rodrigues and Acting Assistant Religious Advisor, Collis Augustine explained a bit about the Hash tradition.
“You need not run, or you need not drink to be a Hasher; the only prerequisite is a good sense of humour. The main thing is to have a good time,” Elke explained.

A LONG HISTORY
Hash House Harriers have a long history, dating back to Britain, as a means of getting over a weekend-long drinking spree through exercise.
“What the English did when they would sport on the weekends, on Monday, they would go have a run so all the alcohol would come out of their system,” she said, thereby giving rise to the pastime which is practised around the world today.
So, how does this ‘hashing’ work?
“There is a runner called the Hare who sets the trail,” Collis explained. “The trail could be from 2km to 20km long. The Hare uses shredded paper, flour, or a spray to mark the trail,” he said.
Within the trail, the Hare also deliberately sets a false trail, designed to lead the runners off course, all in the fun of things. Along the trail, there are “Beer Stops” filled with rum and beer (or water, for the non-drinkers) to hydrate the runners.
The trail is kept a secret from the runners, and is only announced at the set meeting point moments before the run actually starts.
At the end of the run, the drunk, the sober and the exhausted all convene to determine the front runners (FRBs) and the slow racers. The meet-up is also used as an opportunity to mete out embarrassing and unspeakable penalties to those who may have broken a rule along the way; like using technology, which is considered “a cardinal sin”.

NICKNAMES
Among the group, persons are also given nicknames; which are often based on dirty innuendos; based on something silly they may have done at some point during the run. “Usually, after ten runs,” Collis said, “you get a nickname, unless you do something silly before that; then you get a nickname immediately,” Collis said.

Hashers battling along tougher pats of the trail
Hashers battling along tougher pats of the trail

“There’s lots of funny stories, but it’s all in good fun,” Elke said, adding that the group tries to remain conservative as regards public representation, so as to help keep the mystery, and have the Hashers feel comfortable to free-up and truly enjoy themselves while hashing. “It’s about socialising, fitness and about getting to know your country as well,” she said, as many times, runs can be kept out of town.
But Elke added that the GHHH fraternity also serves a more significant purpose to the lives of its members, stating that this was only revealed after the suicide of one of their members. “She was not a regular hasher, and it was very sad. But for those who come regularly, some people have revealed that they were going through some things, and coming here has helped them to really relax and be themselves, and not be judged,” Elke said.

LIKE FAMILY
The group has become like a family over the years, and in light of recent events, members have ensured that each person gets support, if it is needed in any way.
The Guyana Hash House Harriers conducts runs every fortnight, and entertains hashers from as young as six to as old as 60 and over.
The group last week held a pre-Valentine’s run, where runners were required to show up in their pajamas (All part of the fun, right?). The group also aims to host a ‘charity’ run once a year, where whatever money is raised will be donated to a charity of their choice. “The best thing about Hash is: Once a hasher, always a hasher. You can go anywhere in the world where there are Hash Harriers, and be welcomed to be part of a run,” Collis said.
It is safe to say that if you’re looking for a place where fun and hedonism are of utmost priority – and maybe a little bit (or a lot) of drinking- one simply needs to visit the GHHH to achieve that goal.

 

 

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