The Borders are set to get their own ‘chapter’ of the Hash House Harriers, an international running and social group. The ‘Hash’ was started by a group of ex-pats in Malaysia in the 1930’s and has spread like wildfire across the world in the years since then. There are now thought to be over 1700 groups in 172 countries, including several in Scotland. However, until now, the ‘Hash’ hasn’t reached the Borders, but that’s all about to change.
The Hash House Harriers is unusual in that it’s a running club, but is not in the least bit competitive, and is specifically designed to make sure that it’s suitable for all abilities, from walkers to racing snakes. More important though is the drink or two, banter and social bit afterwards – the run is really an excuse to work up a thirst for this. The emphasis is on fun, and it’s as good a workout as you want it to be.
The mechanics are pretty simple – a ‘hare’ goes out in advance of the pack and lays a trail using sawdust or flour (as they’re instantly biodegradable and disappear when it rains). The trail includes false trails and loops to make sure the fast runners cover more distance, and that everyone finishes at the same time. The trail is usually run cross-country, that can mean mud, streams, hills, forests and darkness, but does at least tend to stick to paths. The run, whether you walk or run should take less than an hour, and really is for all abilities. After the run is finished, the pack decamp to the nearest pub for daft stories about the members and a drink or two.
The new Borders Area Hash House Harriers (BAHHH) will run on the first Thursday of every month. The location will move around the Borders each month. The Inaugural event will take place on Thursday 6th April at 7pm from the Market Square in Selkirk. All welcome, bring a change of clothes (you might get wet!), and a torch.
Contact RR member Paul McGreal on 01750 725576 for more details of visit the Hash House Harriers website.
On a warm almost spring-like afternoon Planner Douglas Tullie found a welcome sun-trap for the Start/Finish area just off the vista from Bowhill House and 20 members were soon sweating their way round the forest. Each competitor had an individual handicap to collect a set number of controls before they could return and it was Andrew Tullie, targetted to find 16 of the 18 controls, who flew across the finish line in 26.10mins closely followed by newcomer Colin Ross in 26.47 mins. First lady was Karen Maxwell in 28.46 mins.
The Planner had obviously done his job well as there were tall tales of wrong route choices, missed controls and lots of if only
Judy called the AGM to order and gave us an overview of the positive state of the Club. The committee were re-elected en masse, Douglas Tullie was awarded the Junior Trophy for the year and Lindsey Knox accepted the Club Achievement award. Andrew Tullie collected the Club Championship trophy plus the dubious honour of bringing it back next year dressed in the correct colour of o-top.