History tells us that the Hash House Harriers officially got underway in 1938 in KL although there is evidence of paper trails being set in Malaysia even earlier than that.
In any case it’s a certainty that Adelaide Hash House Harriers first got underway in January 1978 with a trail laid at Brownhill Creek. The following week numbers grew as they gathered at the ‘German Arms Hotel’ at Hahndorf and the club was born.
It was agreed after that to avoid the pubs where possible that each member would bring along a couple of bottles each to add to the ‘hash mix’, a tantalizing blend of beer & ginger beer The first asset (which is called memorabilia these days) was a plastic bucket to house the concocted mixture. Then came the ‘Hash Horn’ which was kindly donated by the local bugler which was used to keep all who was running on trail & in the right direction.
Records reveal that the runs proved “too demanding” for some and the drinking discouraged others, but it’s somewhat the opposite these days. So with a bucket & a bugle Monday night hash was under way and 2300 runs later the club is still going strong.
In 1987 at run no. 499 our Hash trailer with its kegs, temprite, bbq & generator was first presented to the club. We’re now on our second trailer and it serves as a great landmark for our club & sponsors.
These days’ walking is as popular as running, with both groups going out on trail for an hour or so each Monday night. After the runners & walkers return from the run they gather in a circle around the keg side of the hash trailer so drinking charges can be handed out for competitive & stupid acts whilst out on the run. The hashman who set the trail for that week also cooks up nosh (food) for everyone, which can be pretty damn tasty some weeks. Once the circle is over we all dig in to a fine feed & of course more drinks.
We have our traditional events each year which include the infamous New Years Day ‘Iron Man event’, the AGPU (Annual General Piss Up) which is when the committee change over happens, the big AH3 Xmas show & of course our yearly show piece the ‘City to Bay’ fun run where we push a ‘Coopers’ keg down the highway to Glenelg in the traditional 69’ minutes which culminates after in fun & frivolity at a nearby reserve.
Whenever the club reaches a centenary milestone it is generally celebrated with a weekend away in the country. Large individual milestones also call for a big night usually at a pub with big numbers attending for the celebrations.
Adelaide Hash House Harriers average around 20 hashers a week who come from all walks of life. At only $20 a week for drinkers & $10 for non drinkers it all adds up to be not only a great night out but a fantastic value for money evening. You will find we uphold the hash tradition of non competitiveness, good socializing & good drinking.
We are always looking for new faces so come on along & join in on this fantastic thing called “HASH”.