So What Exactly is "Hashing"?

There are hash clubs all over the world and it all started back in 1938 when expat Albert Gispert, G to his friends, started an informal running club in Kuala Lumpur. He named it after the hash house, the nickname that the British community gave the Selangor Club Chambers, which was renowned for its lackluster food.

The founders, who included “Horse” Thompson and “Torch” Bennett, shared an enthusiasm for running a hare and hounds paperchase through the plantations after dark. Together they vowed “to promote physical fitness among our members: to get rid of week-end 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". These words apply as much to the pastime now as they did then.

G’s hashing days were cut short in February 1942, when he was killed defending Singapore with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, but his idea lived on and flourished in British communities all over the world.

The idea is to follow a trail which has been laid by the hare(s). There are various ways to mark a trail including shredded paper, string, spray painted sticks, but Wanchai H3 tend to use flour and chalk. There are also various markings that can be found on trail, intended to show you the way, slow down the front runners etc. Those used by Wanchai H3 can be seen in the image below.

Now while there are no rules on the Hash one of our co-founders ("Dances With Dogs") did prepare some Guidance Notes.

Dances With Dogs also provided some info about Hashing, Hashing in Hong Kong and Wanchai H3 entitled Hash Roots.