Hashers to celebrate 1,100th run

You’ve seen them running along major roadways, down your gravel road, along the beaches, and maybe even your back yard, but next weekend the Saipan Hash House Harriers will be running to celebrate their 21st Birthday.

If you are looking for a change to your weekend routine, the hashers have just the thing as they commemorate the 1,100th meeting of the self-proclaimed drinking club with a running problem next Saturday, Dec. 17, in the parking lot of the Bank of Guam in Garapan at 3pm.

According to SH3 Tyrant for Life, Haj F. Kramden, Sir!, only he and the honorable Beerhead are all that remain from the inaugural jaunt through the jungle on Saturday, Dec 15, 1984.

“We’ve been doing it 21 years you’d think we’d have found something better to do since then, but I guess we haven’t. At least I know I haven’t,” said Kramden.

Since then, the hashers have been taking both the beaten and unbeaten paths across Saipan every week for the past 21 years, making them the most consistently meeting organization on island.

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”.

Next weekend’s run will be led by the honorable Maxcheesmo and Dogleg

And promises to be just as exciting as the week to week variety that thrills locals and tourists alike; however, the organizers of the 1,100th hash have added plenty of adventure and activities to honor the organization’s coming of legal drinking age.

According to the Tyrant, the local group has already received congratulations from other hashers from as far away as California and Vietnam, and he expects to have more than 100 participants attend the event in person.

First-timers are advised to come equipped with their entry fee, running shoes, and a cross between running and hiking attire. Kramden said to “Be prepared not for a race but for an adventure.”

The cost to participate in the hash is $10, and includes a commemorative T-shirt designed by Mr. Happy Pockets, drinks, snacks, a dinner catered by Hamilton’s Restaurant, and a night of dancing to the musical stylings of Galvin Guerrero.

For more information about the 1,100th running of the Saipan Hash House Harriers, contact the wise and honorable Ciega by calling 322-9464.