About Hash House Harriers
Hashing is a tradition born in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and it thrives today all over the world. The group takes its name from a roadside stall called the Hash House (its culinary specialty) where the run ended.
The run is set by a “hare” using flour to mark a 4-6 mile trail. It can go anywhere; city streets, hotels, public buildings, use public transit, swamps, fields, streams, mountains, woods, etc. Periodically, the trail ends and the runners or “hounds” try to find where it begins again. The only rule in Hashing is that there are none…but fast runners often run very fast in the wrong direction while the slower runners or walkers catch up. During the run the pack communicates by yelling “On On” when they see flour. Experienced runners mark the trail for those who are behind, so that everyone makes it to the finish. After the run, the group convenes for food, drink and socializing.
About DCH4
The DC Harriettes kennel was founded in 1978 as a female-only kennel, but became a co-ed kennel in the early 1980s when it was renamed to DC Harriettes and Harriers Hash House. DCH4 is the first co-ed hash kennel established in Washington, DC. Due to DCH4’s founding as a female-only kennel, our slogan is “The hash where Harriettes are always on top”.
The starting location for the DC Harriettes and Harriers Hash House (DCH4) varies weekly, but is usually within the greater DC metropolitan area. We run Saturday afternoons, with an occasional joint hash with another DC kennel.
Our members are a varied group from all walks of life with a common interest in exercise and fun.
Founding of DCH4
In 1978, Naoe Hiruta, formerly a stewardess with Cathay Pacific and an avid hasher from the Hong Kong Ladies H3, arrived in D.C. She began running with DC Hash House Harriers (DCH3) (a male-only hash) as a guest of 2 members, hoping to meet new friends, and explore the area in her own style, on foot, and at a good pace. Low and behold, it was soon realized that she was more than a temporary visitor. At a general meeting it was made final – Naoe was not welcome at DCH3 any longer. Naoe felt somewhat lonely, and complained to her landlord and housemate. An entrepreneur, he encouraged her to start her own club, based on the international model she knew and loved.
Thus began the DC Harriettes and Harriers Hash House (DCH4).
DCH4’s Hash Trash Archive (1979-1996)
Live in DC? Find more hashes at http://dchashing.org/
World traveler? Discover where to hash at Go To The Hash or at Half-Mind.