The Hash House Harriers, usually abbreviated to HHH or H3, is an international social group of drinkers and non-competitive runners. Founded in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by a group of British colonial officers and expatriates, the "hash" served to promote physical fitness, get rid of weekend hangovers, and acquire a thirst for beer. The name Hash House Harriers came about because of the "Hash House", a restaurant/boarding house, wherein most of the original members lived. The pillars of the hash are camaraderie, beer, and running trails, and not related to marijuana. Additionally, one will commonly find general debauchery and political incorrectness at a hash, and colorful nicknames for its participants. Since its founding, hashing has spread to almost every major city around the world, and currently has over 70,000 active members, making it the largest social running organization. More information about the H3 can be found here.
What happens during a hash?
Hashing will always consist of an individual or small group of people known as the hare(s), laying a trail with temporary, biodegradable marks (baking flour, chalk, toilet paper, tape).
The rest of the group, or pack, typically knows only the start location for the trail and must follow the clues left by the hares to follow trail.
Trail can split, end in false trails, go through water, streets, or forest, and contain numerous stops to keep the pack together. And always on a trail, one will find beer.
The KAW!H3 Experience
True to the "Keep Austin Weird" slogan, KAW!H3 aims to keep hashing and Austin weird by providing themed runs weekly on Thursday nights. Our hashes are open to individuals who are 21 years or older and are not family friendly. KAW! typically meets at 6:30, and we will do a short circle to explain trail, introduce ourselves, and review the last hash's shenanigans. The hares of the week then lay a three to five mile trail in either flour or chalk throughout the city. Trails are often laid on a combination of paved surfaces and through wooded areas. KAW! hashes usually contain at least 2 beverage stops, giving the pack a chance to regroup and rehydrate. At the end of trail, or "on-in", we will hold our main circle. "Circle" consists of calling on hashers to drink whilst singing them colorfully lewd songs. We encourage newcomers, otherwise known as virgins, transplants, and visitors to participate and add to the traditions of our growing kennel!
You can find the times, locations, and themes of our weekly hashes on our calendar page.
What to Bring
The cost of our weekly trails is $5.00. This money gives you access to our trail, assorted activities, and hash-provided beverages for the evening. Our trails take us through beautiful and unique places in Austin, Texas. Trails often start or end near dusk (depending on the season) and when visibility may be limited. In order to fully enjoy your experience, we strongly suggest that you bring and/or wear the following items: Workout clothes that you don't care too much about that match the week's theme, an extra change of clothes for after trail, tall socks, extra water, a flashlight or headlamp, an open mind, and an enthusiastic attitude. Please also check out Austin H3 for information about their Sunday trails, Full Moon hash events, and Taco Hash events.