"A Drinking Club with a Running Problem"

We have been considering telling you about this club for awhile. It is about the oddest recreational activity that we have found in Lynchburg, which has a long history and developed on the other side of the world. Its called Hashing, and their are local enthusiasts that are wild about it.

It all started in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) where a group of British expatriates enjoyed playing "paper chase" or the "hounds and hares" game. This is no child's game, as it evolved and reached Lynchburg Virginia. Its all about the chase, the food and the beer, not particularly in that order. The Lynchburg Hashers have both male and female members, that get together about twice a month. And from there, its all hounds and hares, a chasing game running through woods, the more inhospitable terrain the more they enjoy it.

The hashers have one rule that you must follow....there are no rules. The hare has about a fifteen minute start and lays a trail, sometimes false trails and is chased by the hounds. And, then the fun begins. The hare, who is usually their best runner, tries hard to avoid getting caught. At the end of the noncompetive race, the party begins with beer, food and more beer. Music and other activities abound. Some of the activities we are too shy to tell you about.

Sometimes there are themes for their races, you might see them all running in red dresses, or other apparel. We think they have no limits here, its possible doctors and nurses may have been one theme. One thing about this group is they are always ready to welcome new members. They have a website and a recorded phone message (Hash Hotline: 1-434-582-8076) to let you know of coming events. August third is their next event that meets in the parking lot of Lowes on Timberlake Rd.

Now, if you have a streak for the wild side this maybe the group for you. But be wary streaking may not be too far out for them.


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