The inaugural run of Birmingham Hash House Harriers was hailed as a success by its founders Mark Williams and Neil Cooper. The event, held on Saturday 17th November in Shenstone, attracted runners from the Midlands, Isle of Wight, London, Loughborough and Stoke on Trent. Around 35 people aged between 5 and 60 took part. The Hash House Harriers is the largest non-competitive running club in the world. ‘Hashing’, as it is known, involves running from a pub, following a trail of flour around a circular course for 5 miles or so and then returning to the pub for some refreshment. The trail followed is in the style of a paper chase, which the ‘hares’ set the day before. The ‘hounds’ follow the trail, which involves working as a team with the fitter runners checking out false routes while the slower ones catch up. There are regular regroups, to pause for breath, enjoy the view or listen to some historical information about the area. Hash events are always sociable, and suit virtually all levels of fitness as the flour trail enables everyone to run or walk at a speed they feel comfortable with. After a brilliant start, the newly formed Birmingham group is looking for members to take part in setting and following new trails. Events are currently planned to be held once a month at a weekend, and in the local area usually within easy reach of a train station. For keen hashers, events are also organised by other groups located across the UK and further afield. If you are interested to find out more about hashing or would like to join the Birmingham group, contact:

Mark Williams (navigatoronyou@googlemail.com), or Neil Cooper
(mishaponyou@googlemail.com)