It’s not a stretch to see how running can be thought of as a physically demanding activity. Your leg muscles are constantly in use; your feet are always touching the ground and injuries are common. However there’s one running group in Cayman who prefer to focus on the more relaxing side of it: socialising.

Photos from Stephen Clarke. Article first published in the September Edition of 

With a history that stretches back 30 years, the Hash House Harriers obviously are taking the right approach. The Harriers started in Cayman in 1978. The founder of the group is thought to be Raymond Legge, who essentially started a group that already had its roots established on the global scene.

With a history in the Far East that spans as far back as far as 50 years ago the running of the Hash is no stranger to many across the globe. The premise of a traditional run or “hash” is simple: a group of strangers meet up at a predetermined place. There, they set out after the person in front (called the hare) who is the only one who knows the exact course.

From there, they follow the hare and eventually catch up. But, as only the hare knows the true course, those who overtake that person often lead the pack the wrong way. At the end of the run, participants gather round for free alcohol and spend time merry-making and getting to know each other.

When Legge pitched the idea to locals he ended up with a handful of curious runners. Among them was Englishman Raymond Davies. Davies made that first fateful run with Legge and hasn’t stopped running since.

Davies proudly boasts that the group has run every week since. In fact it is closing in on 1,590 runs over that span of time. The Kent native fondly recalls that not even Hurricane Ivan would stop the streak. In spite of fallen debris all over Cayman’s road, one lone soul dared to go out and brave it all.

The Hash has grown quite a bit since Legge’s time. With some 30 to 40 members in tow, it is a sizeable gathering of walkers and joggers of all ages and ability levels. It doesn’t hurt those numbers either that yearly membership is just CI$10.

Every week a different part of the island bears witness to the Hash as they tackle three to four mile runs and strong drinks.

Twice a year the Harriers host a traditional hash. Davies explained how it works these days. “Basically we lay a trail using flowers, since they’re pretty eco-friendly. Then we all set out and follow it.”

Over the years the Harriers have built up quite a reputation. Internationally they have become synonymous with the slogan “a drinking club with a running problem.”

True to that mantra, Cayman’s Harriers have done more than weekly runs. One of their biggest events is called the Cross-Island Relay. Every February runners attempt to tackle a 24-mile course from Gun Bay in East End to Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town. The runners, male and female, are organised into teams of six as each participant is responsible for a four-mile leg.

Amazingly, the event has been a hit. Last year 35 teams signed up. Two years ago some 45 teams came out. With each run attracting roughly 200 runners it’s no surprise that sponsors like Fidelity Bank have been eager to get on board.

In addition, the club has sent runners abroad. From 1998-2000 some 17 people would head out to Colorado for the 180-mile Jasper-Banff mountain relay. The event saw more than 2,000 runners and 120 teams from across the globe run through dense woods over 24 hours. From 2001-2003 another 17-member team would go to Novia Scotia, Canada for the 170-mile Cabot Trail. The group has even made two runs through Havana, Cuba.

Ultimately, Davies feels that being part of the Hash gives him the ability to run and socialise in one setting.

“Running is a form of exercise. Everyone needs some to stay healthy. To me running is the most efficient form of exercise there is and shows results quicker than other sports. The Hash for me combines socialising and exercising at the same time. It’s about people who want to exercise in a group with other people.”

In the end, running is a demanding activity that requires commitment. But with the Hash around, it’s a lot easier to get out there and mix it up with others.
 

Hash out your plans
The Hash House Harriers have a barrage of events left throughout the remainder of the year. No matter which ones you choose to go to you’re bound to meet up with runners who fancy a drink here and there.

All runs take place on Mondays at 5:45pm.
Visit the official web at www.caymanhash.com for more information.

Hit the streets right
The Hash House Harriers may be a light-hearted group but they take running very seriously. As such, the running club has a few tips that will keep your spirit happy and your body in serious shape.

• Have a target and stick with it – make a commitment to run regularly.
• Start small – go for low mile runs and build up.
• Record your runs in a pocket diary – keep track of yourself and become extra self-motivated.
• Run early in the morning (before 7am) or in the evening (after 6pm).
• Run in residential areas like South Sound or the C.I. Yacht Club.
• Wear a white shirt or reflective vest.
• Take a small bottle of water for runs of 30 minutes or more.
• Drink a glass of water before you run.
• Wear good running shoes with high shock absorption.
• Wear athletic shorts that lock out moisture.

Written by :

Matthew Yates

 

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