(Q) What do you people do?
(A) What we do is called Hashing (imagine that!). It is more or less a combination of non-competitive outdoor exercise and socializing. Here's the short version of what happens at a Phoenix Hash: We will gather at a pre-determined site somewhere in the city and loiter for a while. A person will circulate and collect the Hash-Cash, which is a small dough-nation (usually $5) used to pay for the food and beverages supplied at every event. Virgin hashers (first timers) are not expected to donate. At some point someone (usually the hares -the people who set the trail) will hold a chalk-talk where everyone is told about the symbols (chalk marks, flour, paper, etc.) used to mark that day's trail. After that the hares will leave, setting the trail as they go. After 15 minutes or so, the whole group (the hounds or harriers) will set off to follow the trail. People will yell "On-On" or blow whistles to let others know they are on trail or will yell "Are-You?" to ask others if they see trail marks. There will be check marks along the way where you must make a choice between more than one possible trail. This slows down the fastest people and keeps the group together. At some point, you will reach a stop where beverages will be available (water/sodas/beer). There may be several of these stops on a typical trail. Eventually, you will reach the end (marked on the trail by On-In). There will be more loitering, and more food/drink will be available. Once everyone arrives at the end of the trail, the group forms a circle and the Grand Master and Religious Advisor will lead the group in hashing songs (usually dirty/funny/stupid) to commemorate events (recognition of first-time hashers, birthdays, visitors, etc.) and randomly punishing members of the group for trail crimes (not following trail, being competitive, being annoying, etc.). There are many possible trail crimes (some invented on the spot), so you tend to learn them as you go. Trail crimes are punished with swift and blinding justice in the form of down-downs (drinking a small cup of some tasty beverage). The whole thing from the start of the trail to the end of the circle can take a few hours. After these festivities are over, many of the group often go to an On-After which is typically a happy hour or a small house party.
(Q) So is this a thing for fitness freak long distance runners?
(A) The level of fitness in the hashing group runs the spectrum from fitness freak to "heart attack waiting to happen". Since the runs are set up to be non-competitive, you can run fast or slow, or just walk. Any way you choose, there will be others who are going at the same pace that you are.
The length of the trail varies depending on the whims of the hares (4-6 miles is typical), but generally the walkers are given special instructions to allow them to bypass longer sections of the trail.
(Q) Do the Hash House Harriers have anything to do with illegal drugs, the occult, or poor hygiene?
(A) No, no, and occasionally.
(Q) So what's the deal with the term Hash?
(A) Okay, here's the story: The Hash House Harriers phenomenon began in 1938 with a British man named Albert Stephen Ignatius Gispert (known by his friends as "G") in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He gathered together a group of fellow Brits to play a variation of a game known as "Hares and Hounds", an English schoolboy's game. The group got its name from their hangout, The Selangor Club, which was commonly called the Hash House, an old slang term for a restaurant that served bad food. This was combined with harrier, a dog trained for rabbit hunting.
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(Q) I'm oversensitive and easily offended. Is Hashing right for me?
(A) No. You should find a different hobby (suing people, tree hugging, protesting, etc.).
(Q) What kind of people come to the Phoenix Hash?
(A) People from all walks of life, from PhDs to GEDs, all of them not quite right.
(Q) Can I bring my children to a Phoenix Hash event?
(A) It's not recommended unless you're setting aside money for psychotherapy. Spend a little money on a babysitter. (The trail run events may include potentially bawdy songs, off-color language, and adults engaging in immature behavior. Our weekday happy hours are a bit more low key.)
(Q) Can I participate in a Hashing event without feeling pressured to drink alcohol?
(A) Absolutely. Although a healthy tolerance for people who drink is desireable, the point of hashing is to have fun and accidentally get some exercise in the process.
(Q) Why does everyone at these hashing events have nicknames?
(A) After a person participates in a few hashing events, it is inevitable that he/she will do something memorable or more likely, something stupid. In the spirit of camaraderie, that rest of the group will award a Hash name to this lucky sap. Thereafter, this name is used at the Hash in place of his/her legal name.
(Q) I just bought a new pair of Binford 5000-X left handed running shoes for $119.99 with a coupon. Would these be good to wear to a Hash event?
(A) Well, consider this: The hares will often try to gain your "admiration" by laying trails over rocky, muddy, or otherwise nasty terrain (we call this shiggy). Your nice new shoes will not be so nice after a well-set trail. Also, after the run you may be called into the circle to show off your nice new shoes. Then, one nice new shoe will be removed and filled with your favorite beverage. What happens after that is easy to figure out. Simply put- don't wear new shoes!
(Q) Why is everyone at the Hash so obnoxious?
(A) Perhaps we were dropped as infants or have genetic damage, who knows? Don't be scared though, most of the unacceptable behavior is innocent and not punishable under the law. (We checked.)
(Q) So how do I become a member of the hashing club?
(A) That's easy- just come to an event. There's really no formal membership, just show up with a good attitude and a willingness to have fun. If you're somewhat shy, come to one of our happy hours and meet some of the group in a more casual setting. (Click on the schedule and next run links on our homepage or call the hotline for times & dates.)