Run with Haslemere Hash House Harriers

Karen Neville

Zoë Hepper, Grand Master of Haslemere Hash House Harriers, explains the thrill of the trail and running off the beaten track. Pull on your trainers and join H4! 

The Hash began life as a communal trail-finding pursuit run by four intrepid ex-pats in steamy Kuala Lumpur in 1938 and has since grown in popularity and spread worldwide. 

What then do hashers find so special about such a gloried cross-country paper-chase? There’s the thrill of finding the right trail, the benefit of healthy exercise and more than anything the joy of running and socialising with all sorts of humankind during the hash (the name was coined from a culinary hash house in KL). It is not a race but best described as recreational, gentle running for fun for folk of all ages, young and old.   

There are many hash groups or packs around the country. Haslemere Hash House Harriers (H4 for short) was started by a disparate group of Brits returning from the tropics in 1987. It’s been going strong ever since but is always on the look-out for new members, irrespective of age, gender and ability. It’s just £20 per year to join, which covers any necessary insurance and the odd extra-social junkets like the traditional Christmas hash lunch.    

Once you join, you will be duly initiated with an appropriate hash-name and become familiar with how a hash is set (trail marks of eco-friendly sawdust) and run. H4 run on the first Sunday of every month on a trail of around five miles with the event usually culminating in a welcome lunchtime beverage at a local pub. With wonderful countryside all around Haslemere the runs are often off the beaten track “taking you to places you never knew were there with stunning views and outstanding scenery” as long-standing member Doug Thow attests. 

For other members such as Rachel it means the whole family can join in: “On any particular hash we’re always crossing over or catching each other up. The kids find it much more exciting than a straightforward run because they get to shout and explore.” 

“Young and old can take part and you can run or walk at your own pace”, explains Mark. “Trails are ingeniously designed to keep everyone together and it’s a great way to exercise a (reasonably) well-behaved dog. We generally try to start and, importantly, end trails at a suitable pub for a sociable drink, food and chat afterwards. It’s a fun activity, and not to be taken at all seriously!” 

I came to hashing through a very good friend and it’s one of my most favourite activities. Working for the NHS I see people struggling with isolation, mental health concerns and a sedentary lifestyle. Hash is a refreshing, sociable, friendly activity and with a short-cut added to the trail for walkers or new runners, it’s available for everyone to come and enjoy.