Local runners to get tour of Saipan

The same people known for running across the world shouting “on-on” and “elephant walking” around bonfires are at it again this weekend, but the Saipan Hash House Harriers are offering a different brand of exercise this Saturday with the La Tourette de Saipan.

While running through wooded areas, climbing rugged hillsides, and creeping through candlelit caves is standard fare for the “drinking club with a running problem,” this weekend promises more than a walk in the park.

“La Tourette de Saipan is like the Hash and the Tour de France, but a little different. It is a bunch of hashes strung together. Well, sort of like “Le Tour”, except we’re not riding bikes, not famous, not French, and we’re starting small, with only three stages, and with some food and drink in between each. The first stage is fairly easy for a hash. The next two get more interesting,” said Tour coordinator Alan Barak.

On a regular hash, the “Hares” leave from the starting point, or box, and down the pre-made trail with a 10 minute head start. From then on they become fair game as the “Hounds” race onto the trail in search of the “Hares” following a mixture of flour and ribbon that guide the way to the finish, or “On Home”.

For La Tourette de Saipan, the same applies, but instead of doing it once, the runners will trek for hours through trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout three stages that have individual starts and finishes.

The hashers are breaking from their routine meeting area in Garapan this Saturday, Sept 3, in favor of the newly constructed Kagman Mobil Station on Isa Drive at 11:30 am. According to Barak, the first leg of the journey is free of charge and will be the easiest of the three, and open to the whole family. For those looking to bring their dogs along, the second stage will offer a “pet friendly” experience beginning from the same Mobil station at 2:15pm.

For those looking for a piece of the weekly adventure that the Saipan Hash House Harriers have enjoyed for the past 20 years, the journey return to the Mobil station for the third stage at 4pm.

Since each of the stages will not necessarily finish at the same point at which they started, the group will transport all single-stage runners back to their vehicles.

“If you (and your family) are only doing one stage we’ll offer a “vehicle run” to get you back to your car once everyone is in,” said Barak.

As with any of the trips across Saipan, the organizers recommend that carrying water, and wearing the appropriate clothing for a jungle run, to include proper footwear.

“Running shoes, not Zories, are probably a good idea. Wear some cheap cotton gloves, bring some munchies for the trail, and use sunscreen. We’ll carry your small gear bag (dry clothes or swim gear) to the on-home while you chase the hares,” said Barak.

According to Barak, each hash takes about 45 minutes if you run, and an approximately 90 minutes walking for the third of the hounds that opt for the leisurely approach.

“Everyone and anyone is welcome to join,” said Barak.

The cost to participate in the first leg of the La Tourette de Saipan is free to all participants, but the cost increases with the degree of difficulty. There is a $5 fee for the second stage and $10 for the third.

For more information about the Saipan Hash House Harriers, contact Alan Barak by calling 898-0346 or via email at barak@vzpacifica.net.