the day’s course by marking a trail with lumps of flour placed roughly 10 metres apart. The rest of the Hashers discover the route as they go, enthusiastically shouting “On On” to those behind. Passers-by love this and often stop to ask what’s going on. Sometimes the Hashers are sidetracked by a false trail, the Hare’s bit of mischief. Sometimes they stop at a flour-marked VP (View Point) to admire the scenery or enjoy a short history lesson. Mostly, the group runs hard for around one hour in search of the sacred BC marking — Beer Check! There the beer, which the Hashers brew themselves at Brew Works on Wilkinson Road, has been safely stowed in a cooler in a Hasher’s vehicle. After enjoying a refreshing beer, the group is off again to finish the trail. They always conclude the workout with a few “Down Downs,” playful punishments in the form of chugging a small cup of beer for any documented Hasher faux pas, such as not waiting for the group at a Hash Halt or wearing running gear that endorses elite, non-Hash running events like marathons or triathlons. Anyone being punished stands in the centre of the group and sheepishly listens to a bawdy song performed with gusto and much laughter. The makeshift choir in running gear often draws curious spectators. “Many of the members are people you wouldn’t expect to be drinking beer and singing songs,” says Ryan Lajeunesse, a third-year history student at the University of Victoria who was recently “down-downed” for arriving late. “I’m not one to sing songs, either, but I do at the Hash. It’s very liberating.” KNEE-HIGHS, HATS, BADGES and SMILES To see Hashers run, two things stand out. First, their colourful knee-highs and other Hashing paraphernalia — hats, shirts, coats, and badges — and second, the fact that everyone is smiling, even laughing. “The Hash is just
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