Jersey Hash House Harriers celebrate 2000th run

One of the oldest running groups in Jersey, established in 1986, is celebrating its 2000th run with a weekend of events.

Fondly known as ‘the drinking club with a running problem’, the group is preparing for a 'Pirates with Panache' Anniversary Hash Weekend from 28-30 March.

Marie Hayward is the Treasurer - or 'Hash Cash' - of the group. She told Channel 103 about the landmark events:

"Every week when we run a trial, it's numbered, and when we realised we were coming up to the 2000th run, we realised we need to do something special. 

The weekend kicks off on Friday evening (27 March) with a Red Dress run around St Helier, ending in one of the town centre’s drinking holes for a warm welcome and a mini buffet.

"It takes adults back to that freedom of being like a child, running for joy and being out in the fresh air."

Marie said this is a part of a tradition:

"This goes right back to an event in California when a lady turned up thinking she was going on a date, realised it was a run, and - although she had a red dress and sandals on - decided to run anyway.

"Everyone was so impressed, it has become embedded in the culture of hashing."

On Saturday, it will be the Great 2000th Hash Run (or Hash Walk), starting from the Scout Centre in St Ouen's Bay, featuring scenic false trails, oodles of shiggy (mud), fun challenges, a rum tot and, of course, the beautiful Jersey outdoors. 

In the evening it’s the Pirate Party & Buccaneers Bonanza, a fancy dress dinner with a free bar, sea shanties and DJ.

Sunday morning sees the hangover run, tackling the sand dunes of the west coast, followed by the weekend’s final liquid refreshments and a breakfast butty back at the scout centre.

There’s also an alternative Jolly Roger Ramble. The Hash’s very own blue badge guide will be sharing some tall tales on a free guided walk around the heritage-heavy environs of our beautiful St Ouen’s Bay.

"If you wear a new pair of trainers to a run, you need to be prepared to get a bit ridiculed"

Marie told Channel 103 the history of hashing worldwide and in Jersey:

"Hashing was begun by some ex-pats in Malaysia, who wanted to celebrate the week end, get rid of their hangover, and work up a thirst so they can quench it afterwards. 

"It's worldwide. Everybody has local rules, but everybody is welcome. You follow a trail that's laid by a hare.

"At a crossroads, for example, you aren't told which way to go, the faster runners have to go off and check which is the right way to follow, that way we keep the group together and keep everyone involved. 

"The idea is that it takes you out of your comfort zone and you do things you wouldn't normally do, 

"When there's a puddle of water you have to go through it, when a tree has fallen you have to climb over it.

"It takes adults back to that freedom of being like a child, running for joy and being out in the fresh air. 

"It's amazing, when we go out running - the range of conversations still astounds me. People have such great local knowledge, and you see such amazing parts of the island. 

"Some of these guys have been hashing for 40 years and they know so much about the island."

"The first Jersey hash run was on 13 October 1986, endorsed by Colin Campbell who was president of the Jersey Spartans Club, who felt there was an opening for less formal running.

"There were around 140 people at the time, who were all quite young, We have some couples who met hashing and 40 years later are happily married and have raised families."

Hashers, former hashers and the hash-curious are all welcome to join in the fun this weekend.

It can be found on Race Nation by searching Jersey Hash House Harriers for more info.