This week I'm gonna put the spotlight on a long time running (pun intended) Hash House Harriers that is relatively nearby in Laos.
They did their first Monday Hash run in 1981 and have not missed a single week ever since. They have accumulated nearly 2,000 consecutive runs. They haven't even ceased operations since the global pandemic and we'll give them the benefit of the doubt and presume they are being safe about it.
Like many other Hash chapters, including the one in Chiang Mai, they separate their runs into multiple stages. One for the young or physically limited and this takes about 30 minutes of walking and the last tier is the proper run which can expect to see you doing 90 minutes of exercise.
At the end of the runs they get together at the circle for general merriment and to drink a bunch of beer and pick on one another.
They meet every Monday right next to the famous Mekong river and the Monday runs tend to be in an urban environment.
The Saturday Bush Hash takes place outside of the city and tends to wind around the countryside and it is understandable that a lot of people would prefer this type of run. The end result is the same, there is just more greenery involved.
If you find yourself going to Laos (and your really should, it is far more laid back than all of its far more densely populated neighboring countries, you should drop them a line at their website. They welcome newcomers and veteran Hashers two times a week. Why not give it a shot? It just might change your life.
This group also organizes a monthly bicycle hash, which is something I have never been on. I'll look you guys up the next time I am up in Vientiane!
