On Saturday 20 April I decided to do something different and was asked if any of the Sandbach Striders wanted to join a hash run which was being set by two of the South Cheshire Harriers. As I was a Saudi Arabian Hasher (Haggis Basher) I knew what it was all about. However, for those of you that don’t know anything about Hashing here is a bit of information:
HASHING is a FUN, SOCIAL running activity for the fit and not so fit. A trail of about 5 - 6 miles (with shortcuts often possible) is marked with blobs of flour by the “Hares”. Trails normally follow a mixture of country footpaths, quiet roads and parklands. There are “Checks” marked at roughly 1/4 mile intervals from which there are several possible ways for the trail to go. Front runners explore the alternative ways until the real trail is identified; meanwhile the slower Hashers can catch-up and/or rest. Fast & slower runners finish together.
Hashing is not a race, the aim being for everyone to take as much exercise as they wish and for the slow and fast participants to be in close proximity throughout. There is even an alternative option for walkers who want to be involved but who don’t feel quite up to this running lark. Trails usually start and finish at a pub, where it is customary for Hashers to linger awhile on their return, quench their thirst and offer the Hare their opinion of his/her skill in setting the trail.
Saturday was a lovely bright sunny day and about 20 hashers met at the Broughton Arms at 1pm. However, I nearly never made it as I thought it was at the Wilbraham Arms and I got there at 12.45 only to find no one there!! Luckily, I had Sue’s number and as she and Philippa were out setting the trail they were just passing by the Wilbraham so I was able to follow them to the correct pub. I was introduced to everyone and we were soon off. There was a man there with a fab looking dog and I soon learnt that the dog was a champion in the canine racing field. Max (dog) and his master were harnessed and went off like a rocket. I could hear his master telling him to go left left left, to stand down, and to back up.
Max was brilliant at taking instructions and really if you wanted to ensure you were following the correct trail and not a false one, following Max was the best bet. The trail took us to parts of Alsager I never even knew existed. We went over some fields, through the blue bell woods and up on to the canal paths. Soon we were on the last mile home to the Broughton Arms. It was a really nice 6 mile run. There was no pressure, the other hashers were really pleasant and the down down was good. That’s where you get introduced to the rest of the group via the “Hasher song” and you have to down in a oner either an alcoholic drink or a non- alcoholic drink. You should try downing lemonade in a oner ( ugh).
The next hash is in three weeks’ time (11 May) and is at FENTON.
For more information go to the
Potteries Hash House Harriers website.
Liz
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