If you're interested in an exhilarating experience and want to explore your adventurous side, try Hashing. It's an interesting break from normal runs. You can still log your miles and combine it with orienteering and partying.

There are many elements to Hashing, none of which have anything to do with marijuana or hashish. Here are a few:

The Run or Trail - One or two Hasher Hares lay a trail, marked with chalk arrows, shredded paper, flour or pieces of toilet paper hanging in the bush, depending on local tradition or terrain. Some lay trails a day or so before the Hash; others as "Live Hares," running ahead of the pack with a 15-minute head start. At a given signal, the rest of the Harriers set off in pursuit. The idea is to keep the pack somewhat together, achieved by setting false trails, checks, sneaky loops and short-cutting. Runs typically take 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Length and difficulty vary.

The Circle - At trail's end Hashers gather to drink beer or non-alcoholic beverages and observe rituals. Circles may be led by the Hash Grandmaster, Religious Adviser or by a Committee of Mismanagement. Traditions (and degree of rowdiness) vary from Hash to Hash, but in general the Circle consists of awarding "Down-Downs" for misdemeanors real, imagined or blatantly made up by fellow Hashers.

The On-On - Some Hashes suspend ceremonies for awhile to consume food, often at a nearby restaurant or pub that will tolerate such a group. This social part of the Hash often features joke telling and/or the singing of outrageous songs (think Monte Python).

Hashing began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a group of restive British company men started a Hare & Hounds running group patterned after traditional British public-school paper chases. Today there are thousands of Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world, complete with newsletters, web sites and conventions.

There is some mystique about Hashing. Why would one choose to run on slippery trails or follow false trails only to backtrack to slower runners? What sadistic impulse drives the Hares to lay trails that would make you climb over fences, slosh through streams or encourage trespassing on farmland, private estates and golf courses, or down shopping-mall escalators? Some even do this in the dark with flashlights.

It's an excuse to let go of everyday life and give way to creativity, even lunacy. Why else would Hashers indulge themselves in the shamelessness of Red Dress Runs, wherein free spirits dress in garish outfits, then careen around business districts in cities worldwide yelling "On, On!" or just plain screeching.

Hashing rewards participants with a spirit of camaraderie and inclusion. The criteria for acceptance into Hash events are a few bucks to pay for food and drink, a love of adventure running on trails, and a zest for acting a bit crazy.

Hashers tend to be rebels, because the rules are that there are NO rules in the Hashing. It's the place for behavior based on a mock disrespect for genteel conventions, all done in a spirit of fun.

Tongue-in-cheek insults elicit smiles rather than hurt feelings. Kidding about mismanaging events, laying ugly trails, or botching whatever it is that somebody with a brain would do correctly, are standard fare.

Many Hash groups create irreverent nicknames for newly-inducted members. Hanging an indecent moniker on a not-unsuspecting newcomer is a gesture (or "jester") of inclusion in the circle. There is a real sense of fraternity among Hashers throughout the world that opens doors and multiplies friendships.

Just remember ... never wear new shoes to the Hash!

Writer Doug Kurtis has not made a "hash" of his serious running career. He holds world records for the most sub-2:20 marathons (76) and marathon wins (40). He may be contacted at dkurtis@peoplepc.com. MR