Thursday, April 20, 2017

Man uses flour to mark out hashing trail at Woodleigh MRT: What exactly is hashing?

Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/man-uses-flour-mark-out-hashing-trail-woodleigh-mrt-what-exactly-hashing
By Lam Min Lee, minlee@sph.com.sg, AsiaOne, Wednesday, 19 April 2017



Panda Hash House Harriers on a ‘run’ near Chengdu, China.
PHOTO: Panda Hash House Harriers on a ‘run’ near Chengdu, China.
The typical trail is anywhere from 7-12 km in length, but as with all hash clubs this is just an approximation as everything varies from group to group. Marked with paper, chalk, flour, sawdust, spray paint etc., runs can take place across an array of terrains and in any weather conditions, from downpours in urban city streets to jungles, mountains, rice paddies and everything in between. While some trails are set “live,” with a “hare” heading off 10-15 minutes ahead of the pack to set the course, others are set “dead” well ahead of time. Several “checkpoints” along the way snake off in all directions, with a handful of false trails leading runners astray and one true trail continuing along the correct path. The idea is to give the “hare” in live runs a chance to stay ahead, to give stragglers in the back an opportunity to catch up and, of course, to give inexperienced runners a chance to get completely lost. [2]
Photos courtesy of Flickr, dani920; Auswandern Malaysia; and Wikimedia Commons, Jair Zuta La Rosa
Posted by Alex Rathy

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIN9raZOtQ0YaYhz7TYFD2dYzAsWyR4w8NNXZxagPXUXQFGlMo_f3mMoOQXYIRtjCrMi5QsrnpuAl41V8_OxLYhOuRKbOgK6w027bE_XzvCPKukNttuOG1jBRbBzziUyspleBdWPQonXC/s1600/Hash-House-Harriers-Dani920.jpg
http://www.departful.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Hash-House-Harriers-Dani920.jpg
http://www.departful.com/2013/03/hash-house-harriers-kuala-lumpur/



A 69-year-old man was arrested for leaving behind a suspicious white substance at Woodleigh MRT station, causing it to be closed for security checks on Tuesday (April 18).

He had placed flour in the station to mark a trail for other members in his running club called Seletar Hash House Harriers, which organises hash runs in Singapore every Tuesday evening.



Hash House Harriers, organises hash runs that combines cross country running and treasure hunt.
PHOTO: Hash House Harriers, organises hash runs that combines cross country running and treasure hunt. In the game, a 'hare' lays a trail using toilet paper, coloured powder, or chalk for a pack of 'hounds', who figure out the clues and aim to catch the 'hare' before it reaches the end of the trail.
Picture posted by Pattaya Hash House Harriers, The Drinking Club with a Running Problem
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGRQ8kFeWQX_7DYK9SUmOLi9KIMF4RbG6YO_0tfoVTXbom3dwyYk9j5vthvlby52IcRWwwEi4Vdf0r8JOKVX4Qci8WfkDbuWmndlnmdV-zl0w16ulQ6akeNF_362qIHhev1ZqE_VUbEV3/s1600/run1533-029.jpg
http://pattayah3.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/run1533-029.jpg
http://pattayah3.com/run-1533/



The incident also cast the spotlight on the outdoor activity. So, what exactly is 'hashing'?


1. It is an activity that combines cross country running and treasure hunt
Hashing was created by a group of British expatriates in Malaysia in 1938, and fashioned after an outdoor racing game called 'hares and hounds'.

In the game, a 'hare' lays a trail using toilet paper, coloured powder, or chalk for a pack of 'hounds', who figure out the clues and aim to catch the 'hare' before it reaches the end of the trail.

A hash run is typically held over an hour or so.



'Hashing' is an activity created by a group of British expatriates in Malaysia in 1938, and fashioned after an outdoor racing game called 'hares and hounds'.
PHOTO: 'Hashing' is an activity created by a group of British expatriates in Malaysia in 1938, and fashioned after an outdoor racing game called 'hares and hounds'. A hash run is typically held over an hour or so.
Photos courtesy of Flickr, dani920; Auswandern Malaysia; and Wikimedia Commons, Jair Zuta La Rosa
Picture posted by Alex Rathy - Participants of the Lima Hash House Harriers crossing a log bridge in Lunahuaná.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrWOF-RnzbbFo2mUDrPzH6mVJiYRMo8I6XTeiJa9ptxLqjht5dHZAAKDSBqAza-Q89RIdfXhmSVGbCRHsYm8m4M6wUvu_JNZUMmGvKJEOy3e5jdzD-Wd7zbr5rt9c1sVP5IFikWKorHkP/s1600/Lima_Hash_444_Lunahuana_01.jpg
http://www.departful.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Lima_Hash_444_Lunahuana_01.jpg
http://www.departful.com/2013/03/hash-house-harriers-kuala-lumpur/



2. There's an element of surprise in hashing
The temporary markings used in the trail may disappear over time, which makes the game challenging.

A 'hare' may throw the 'hounds' off its track with false trails, short cuts, and dead ends. These are designed to keep the pack of 'hounds' together regardless of their fitness levels or running speeds.

Participants also often find themselves going on runs in places ranging from the jungle to the city.



There's an element of surprise in hashing
PHOTO: There's an element of surprise in hashing
A 'hare' may throw the 'hounds' off its track with false trails, short cuts, and dead ends. These are designed to keep the pack of 'hounds' together regardless of their fitness levels or running speeds.
Picture posted by Running and the City
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWdxUAjM9phbBHB8LFBQfsZ4LH8rQedAEF0N15qP5qf1fLdaTcoYZzLVrjsoUCtU_UWO63yFi_XSGovb0vtCwsV7jFX_XVty9vTvV6QVexYqByfWq9CKqsdYg8wQ7niDYNeEBWx2EBpHy/s1600/cheering-in-a-bikini.jpg
https://runningandthecity.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/cheering-in-a-bikini.jpg
https://runningandthecity.com/2014/08/12/free-the-nipples/



3. Runners have been hashing in Singapore for decades
There are about 10 such running clubs in the country, with Hash House Harriers Singapore, which was founded in 1962, claiming to be 'father hash' that spawned the rest.



The first Red Dress Hash in South America, held in Chaclacayo, near Lima, Peru.
PHOTO: The first Red Dress Hash in South America, held in Chaclacayo, near Lima, Peru.
In 1938, several British civil servants and businessmen in Kuala Lumpur created an offshoot group that combined “Paper Chase” with “Hare and Hounds,” one that placed decidedly less emphasis on the physical fitness aspects of the activity and more on the social side.
Affectionately derided as the “Hash House” for its bland and uninspired cuisine, the new group was called the “Hash House Harriers.” [2]
Photos courtesy of Flickr, dani920; Auswandern Malaysia; and Wikimedia Commons, Jair Zuta La Rosa
Posted by Alex Rathy

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M5ZH4UBDZEH4FruZNPRnsol_qDQH91EmwV8PRjYN2yraG_WiBbkI17necXjHstWaAppJ2QWX6frSUd_7uJeH6E869s19lhKq1rQhvYkOCCEMYIcqNQX9i_bdM0369Tv5Cko0HPrEDIxR/s1600/Lima_Red_Dress_Hash_Chaclacayo_01.jpg
http://www.departful.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Lima_Red_Dress_Hash_Chaclacayo_01.jpg
http://www.departful.com/2013/03/hash-house-harriers-kuala-lumpur/



4. Hashing has inspired several spin-offs
There's
bike hashing for those who prefer to travel around the island on their mountain bicycles, while canine lovers have created 'Dash' where runners can bring their dogs along for the hash run.


Hashing has inspired several spin-offs
PHOTO: Hashing has inspired several spin-offs
There's bike hashing for those who prefer to travel around the island on their mountain bicycles, while canine lovers have created 'Dash' where runners can bring their dogs along for the hash run.
Picture posted by Star2.com on 8 August 2015 - Riders have come to love the trails of Bukit Kiara.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-tQF5Tg-7ifU-suBg-ZKXW-3CuJ5A-RJG4OQ869mOhqkvcVf0JlsG9sn1GlviCGFwEc1XfNBKLTul8tYRdyzcn5nhVWkhHQ6Cs3M8i-Rokzv85D2O8WQWKwaD3gn3DN1QUPGPJ_8o-sj/s1600/XSPOLAKIARA-19a.jpg
http://cdn.star2.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/XSPOLAKIARA-19a.jpg
http://www.star2.com/travel/malaysia/2015/08/08/hiking-up-jungle-trails-in-the-heart-of-kuala-lumpur-has-resulted-in-vibrant-health-and-happiness-plus-many-friendships/



5. Hashing is a social activity
These groups often describe themselves as 'drinking clubs with a running problem'. Hashers often wind down from their runs in a 'circle' where they socialize, sing drinking songs and enjoy some drinks (usually beer) and food.



Fun and enjoyable run: Members of Saberkas Unit Borneo Eco Trek led by advisor, Jason Tai (fourth from right) showing why hash run is a good social activity.
PHOTO: The Grand Rapids Hash House Harriers, "A drinking club with a running problem." Harriers regularly host fun runs, but these aren't your ordinary races. Runners follow "hares" and look for clues to the trail, which typically leads to beer.
Picture posted by Grand Rapids Hash House Harriers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCwXX1gISSVEcKuwJoKqudqpmlDrpDQU8OlDfpGD55HY_f6SRwK-8EUbXp-kWJrCHdauTZP-hgZI3tqePU9b9Ea3Q-MsoiXskn1gFysaRUVQONTR11eR8CvjbTXs_3K1jxzyzuy-fH1Zr/s1600/grh3.gif
http://www.grh3.com/grh3.gif
http://www.grh3.com/



Hashing is a social activity
PHOTO: Hashing is a social activity
These groups often describe themselves as 'drinking clubs with a running problem'. Hashers often wind down from their runs in a 'circle' where they socialize, sing drinking songs and enjoy some drinks (usually beer) and food.
Picture posted by Daily Picks and Flicks.com - On On On - the party after the run where hashers continue to socialize, drink beer, etc.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUGvpdd9mVpW2ySPIXPKShps6I95s-7h5DOsCdEQoqld-2Fzr68_4bIbWYf6BLZoFfCUF3r8eofa_e23ZXidyoXSoGRZZUEJtQUQNOO2PlWvjBnIqrI_sTxkRO_-hSfH8qWiWRpllh6M5/s1600/naked-drunk-woman.jpg
http://dailypicksandflicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/naked-drunk-woman.jpg
http://dailypicksandflicks.com/naked-drunk-woman/


By Lam Min Lee, minlee@sph.com.sg, AsiaOne, Wednesday, 19 April 2017



Reference
[1] Lam Min Lee, AsiaOne, Man uses flour to mark out hashing trail at Woodleigh MRT: What exactly is hashing?, posted on Wednesday, 19 April 2017, http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/man-uses-flour-mark-out-hashing-trail-woodleigh-mrt-what-exactly-hashing

[2] Alex Rathy,  A Run Through the Jungle: The Mother Hash, Kuala Lumpur, http://www.departful.com/2013/03/hash-house-harriers-kuala-lumpur/

[3] Running and the City, Free the nipples, posted on 12 August 2014, https://runningandthecity.com/2014/08/12/free-the-nipples/

Links
leaving behind a suspicious white substance at Woodleigh MRT station - http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/woodleigh-mrt-closure-man-arrested-after-using-baking-flour-mark-running-trail


Seletar Hash House Harriers - http://seletar.hash.org.sg/


10 such running clubs - http://www.hash.org.sg/
 

Hash House Harriers Singapore - http://www.hhhs.org.sg/

bike hashing - http://www.singaporebikehash.com/


'Dash' - http://www.doghash.com/