Photo: Supplied.
Running through forests at night, using torches to search for a sign, seeking to follow a nearly hidden trail – it sounds like a spy thriller or an undercover police chase but it’s probably just a bunch of people having fun.
The Redlands Hash House Harriers was formed years ago and it’s still going strong. Hashing developed in 1938 in Malaysia and was revived at the end of WW2 as a way for members of the military to keep fit and maintain the bonds already created. To overcome any awkwardness of casual sporting association between officers and enlisted men no-one’s real names were used; every member was granted – or inflicted – with a nickname, a custom that still exists.
Member Sid Steele, whose Hash name is Ned Kelly (he used to be a bank manager) shared some of the more presentable club names, which include Poo Bear, Captain Bligh, Drillit and MauMau; each one has a story attached.
A Hash takes place every Monday night. A member, designated as the Hare, measures out and marks a trail, usually between Capalaba and Redland Bay. The trail may be marked in chalk or powdered gypsum and includes certain symbols that give information about the direction to take. Members who are Harriers – originally hunting dogs – meet at a designated spot, pay their $8 fee, then set out on the Hash, walking or running, depending on their level of fitness.
“It’s really about enjoying ourselves with friends – and maybe staying fit too,” says Sid. “There are no age restrictions – our members range in age from 20 to 80 – and we usually have between 25 and 35 participants. Sometimes parents run with kiddies in prams. The Hare is responsible for providing a meal at the end of a run. There is a drink stop during the run and we have a designated member following the pack to make sure no-one gets hurt or left behind. It’s really a great night out.”
For more information about Redlands Hash House Harriers visit https://redlandshashhouseharriers.asn.au/wp/
