MVP: Carl Tolson on Running While Drinking with Hash House Harriers

Date: Dec 1st 2008 6:31p.m.

Contributed by:
andreawong

Your website says “a drinking club with a running problem.” Who
are the HHH exactly?

We are a pretty equal number of men and women who run every Sunday throughout Shanghai and sometimes out of town. After a run we indulge ourselves by imbibing a lot of beer.

How did you get involved?

It was another Hash. I was running down a street when I was asked by a stranger to come along. Some men stated what the rules were, then we took off on a run. At the end of this mysterious trail there was a keg of beer; I filled my glass and have been running ever since with the Hash in whatever country I visit. I started the Shanghai Hash in 1986. There is no official leader but we have a new committee every year.

How many members do you guys have?

Over 500 have left their mark on Shanghai. How does one join? All you need to do is show up on any Sunday with or without clothes, a pair of comfortable shoes and a thirst or longing thirst.

How long is a typical run?

The runs are between 6km to 15km, depending on who sets them. Every week whoever volunteers to set the run will pick a restaurant and that will be where we meet to start / end.

How often do you meet?

Every Sunday, in rain, shine, sleet, snow, fog or mist. Nothing stops the Hash from running. I was in Texas when hurricane Katrina hit and we still ran the Hash, no problem.

What kind of drink does a typical HHH savor?

Number one is of course beer. Also supplied for those who wish to rust the pipes is water, but never any hard liquor.

Any wild running stories, drinking stories or a ...