Kota Kinabalu - Hash Running

I don't want to dwell too much on the history of hashing as their are other hubs that have been written specifically for that. But, briefly...

• it has nothing to do with drugs what-so-ever!
• it is described as "a running club with a drinking problem"
• it started in Malaysia during colonial British rule,
• the "hares" lay a paper trail, sometimes with false trails called "checks",
• the "pack" follow the trail,
• it is usually, but not always done in a woods or jungle or area of natural beauty, though in some places this is impossible so road runs, or desert runs are laid.
• the last person in is called the "sweeper" or "bob-tail" and they pick up the stragglers or the lost.
• some hashes have a long run and a short run.
• there are hash chapters in almost every country.
• after the run, it is tradition to drink beer (quite a lot), sing songs (similar to rugby songs), and punish hashers for crimes such as short cutting, or not wearing a hash t-shirt.

All the hashes I have participated in vary slightly but are essentially the same and usually consist of a group of people from all walks of life who love the fresh air, a bit of exercise and socialising.
If you are a "hasher", it doesn't matter where you are in the world, you will meet other hashers who are keen to invite you on their run and show you the sights. It is a great way to meet local people and see parts of a country that most tourists don't see. Hashers help each other out and if you don't have transport they will arrange for you to be picked up and dropped off. Hospitality is usually second to none! Hashing is not a secret society! Anyone can come to the hash and participate in a hash. Hash virgins are very welcome. You can run, you can walk, its up to you.

Hashing in Kota Kinabalu is a bit of a religion to some people here! There is at least one hash run 6 days a week and I know people who do 5 hashes a week! Here is a list of all the Kota Kinabalu hash chapters that are currently active:

1. Penampang Tua Paau Hash House - Mixed run on Sunday from 4pm. Offers a long run and a short run.
2. Persatuan Jesselton Hash House - Mixed run on Sunday from 4:30pm.
3. Telipok Dynamic Hash House - Mixed run on Sunday from 4pm
4. Kelab Jambatan Tamparuli Hash House - Mixed run on Sunday from 4pm
5. Kota Kinabalu Hash House Harriers Kinaman (known as the Monday Mens Hash) - Men only run on Mondays from 5pm.
6. Kota Kinbalu hash House Bunnies - Mixed run on Wednesdays from 5pm.
7. Orang Utan Hash House Harriers - Men only run on Wednesdays from 5pm.
8. Ayam Mas Jungle Trekkers - Mixed run on Thursdays from 4pm
9. Api Api Hash House Club - Mixed run on Fridays from 4pm. Only club here that has checks.
10. Kota Kinbalu Hash House Harriers & Harriettes - Mixed run on Fridays from 4pm.
11. Merdeka Hash House Association - Mixed run on Saturdays from 4pm.
12. Moyog Full Moon Hash House Harriers - Monthly mixed run on the Saturday closest to full moon.

Hashing in Kota Kinabalu is done in jungle, and rubber plantations. All the hashes involve HILLS! The first thing you will need to invest in is a pair of "kampung Adidas"! These are the cheapest rubber shoes costing just RM8. Most people who come hashing here for the first time try and wear trainers or walking boots and soon find that they are slipping and sliding all over the place! The rubber shoes had rubber studs on the bottom giving you extra grip. They are a MUST for hashing in KK.

WATER! There are some hashers, very fit ones, who don't take water with them, but they are highly experienced and fast. The rest of us should take in a bottle of water at the very least. I usually take a water bladder, worn like a rucksack, that I can fill with up to 2 litres of water - though I usually make a mix of 50% water and 50% rehydration powders - just to be safe!

You should also take a torch/flashlight - Sometimes you might find yourself coming out in the dark. You must bring something that will light your way.

A whistle - in the unlikely event that you lose the trail and get lost, you'll want some sort of signalling device to alert other hashers to your location.

A lighter - I carry one of these just in case I end up having to spend a night in the jungle! I fire will ward off unwanted visitors and keep you warm as temperatures can drop quite low at night.

I also bring my mobile phone wrapped securely in a plastic bag so it isn't affected by rain or sweat.

All these things should be either carried in your pockets, or in a bum bag (or fanny pack as the Americans call it) as illustrated.

A change of clothes for afterwards and a little bit of cash to pay your run fee which is no more than RM5 including a drink.

One thing I can guarantee is that you will see stunning scenery and usually some fantastic panoramic views. You'll come across the odd rubber tapper and his family right up in the hills, kadazan children playing in rivers, and a whole host of flora such as orchids, ferns and other blooms, and fauna such as squirrels, butterflies and birds and a few unwanted ones like bees and leeches!

Here in KK, a hash run with the Bunnies will take you no more than about 45 minutes. They are the easiest run by far.

A run with the Api Api Hash House club, who include checks on their runs, has been known to take up to 3 hours for the un-fittest hashers, but only an hour for the fittest.

Here are some illustrations of runs from my GPS:

Whether you are in Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Vietnam, America, Thailand, Syria or even Scotland, the best way to see a country is to join a hash run. Its much cheaper than a guided tour, and you get beer and food and make life long friends.

If you would like to come hashing in Kota Kinabalu, please follow the link below for contact details, or failing that, leave me a comment and I will pass on the contact details for the hash you are interested in.

Look forward to seeing you on a Kota Kinabalu hash soon!

If you would like to know more about Kota Kinabalu, please do read my hubs in my Kota Kinabalu series:

Kota Kinabalu - A Summary
Kota Kinabalu - Bukit Padang
Kota Kinabalu - Food - Bah Kut Teh
Kota Kinabalu - Flora & Fauna in Photo's