Legal Hash

Ever feel like running is too boring? Too monotonous? Have you ever been out for a run and thought to yourself, "A beer would be good right about now," or have you been drinking and thought that a run would be a good idea?

My friends, hashing is for you.

Hashing is a combination of running, mud, and revelry. Hash House Harriers (or hashers) started with British colonial officers in Malaysia for four purposes:

• to promote physical fitness among members
• to get rid of weekend hangovers
• to acquire a good thirst and satisfy it in beer
• to persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel

Modern day Hash House Harrier groups are an interesting mix of running/drinking/social clubs. The runs can vary from a few to several miles and from urban to extreme off-road, but they almost always involve beer at the end. If you decide to give it a try, expect alcohol, vulgarity, mud, and a lot of fun. There are "family friendly" hashes as well.

There are several hash groups in metro Atlanta, at least one generally meeting every night of the week. Atlanta Hash House has a light-hearted and informative website that can give you a good idea of what it's like, they also have a weekly calendar of Atlanta area hashes.

Get out there and try something new!