Sporty Things to Do Making a Hash of it
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here are over 2,000 Hash Clubs in 185 countries all over the world including Barbados. Their culture is one of walking and running with a strong social element to reward their physical endeavours! It is fun and enjoyable and an exhilarating combination that takes the members and friends all over the countryside in search of exercise, camaraderie and fellowship in healthy environs. Barbados is ideally suited to the Hash culture and the trails take runners and walkers to places they may never encounter in normal everyday life. The Hash members welcome visitors and their weekly Saturday afternoon trails attract over 75 enthusiastic Hashers. They also come out on Bank Holidays and a typical hash afternoon involves a five-mile jaunt that could be through rural and urban Barbados, but always ends with a vibrant friendly mixture of drinks, food and banter. This is really fun running and walking at its best and the beauty about hashing is that you can do everything at your own pace. This is not a race, but a personal exercise challenge that caters for all types of people and fitness levels. The same goes for après-Hash as beverages range from litres of cold water, to bottles of beer and perhaps the occasional glass of wine or tot of rum. Everything works within the hash culture. 144
The Barbados Hash House Harriers was formed in November 1985 and over the years it has never lacked vision or innovation. Hashers traverse idyllic Barbados countryside, urban back streets, gullies, hills and valleys with occasional sojourns along some of our beautiful beaches. Everything ends on a social and friendly note with Hash parties renowned for their laidback fellowship and entertainment. The members have also made significant donations to charity and amongst their favourite good causes are the Auntie Olga Needy Children’s Fund, the Challenor School, and the Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home. Hash running and walking also embraces friends and supporters and there’s nothing better than arriving back at the finish to be greeted by smiling hares, a cool refreshing drink and a barbeque brimming with hot food. (Note: The persons who set the trails/runs are called hares, those running or walking the trail are hounds). There are few formalities about hashing other than good organization and the guarantee of an enjoyable afternoon. For more information visit www.barbadoshash.com and remember they also have outings when there’s a full moon! We wonder why?