Over the past month, Elizabeth and I have been seeking out a 10k run. So far we have averaged 4.3 miles per day since we left, both running and walking the city.  We might as well spend our time getting into better shape while we have so much free time on our hands.

While Elizabeth was moseying through the forum on BAexpats.org, she rolled across a hashing club that was hosting a 10k run just outside of the city limits. In short, the Hash House Harriers is a worldwide fraternity of expats who schedule runs for the secondary purpose of running. Most major world cities have at least one hash group. It's often jokingly referred to as "a drinking club with a running problem".



After an hour long bus ride out to San Isidro, we met up with the group at one of their member's home.  After meeting the group and paying our $10 ($5 a piece), we got a run down of the rules.

1. The "trail" is created in advance by the "hare" by dropping a small amount of flour at random spots along the path. 
2. For the benefit of the pack behind you should yell "on on" as you pass a pile of flour that signify you to keep running straight. Also if its a left or right turn, you should yell "on left" or "on right"
3. "Checks" are setup along the path that require the group to do something.  Generally it's that the "scent" has been lost and everyone splits up to search for the path but it could also be a "beer check" where everyone drinks a beer.  Some "checks" also have requirements such as only women can search or that a certain number of runners need to have arrived before anyone is allowed to search.  Even though you may think you have found the "scent" you have to follow it for a bit to make sure it's not a false trail or dead end.  The checks are designed to keep the pack together regardless of fitness level or running speed, as front-runners are forced to slow down to find the "true" trail, allowing stragglers to catch up.
4. Also along the way is a "wimp's way out." A short-cut for those that don't want to do the full distance.  During this run, the full distance was 10k and the short-cut was 6k.

Since they have runs every two weeks and they are generally in new locations each time, it's a great way to see the parts of the city you wouldn't normally go.  Even better then the fun of the "hunt", the overall wackiness of the after party is worth the run.