For some people, running and beer drinking go hand in hand. These people call themselves the ‘Hash House Harriers.’ Their slogan is “Beer drinkers with a running problem.”

The Hash House Harriers is a worldwide organization that got its start in Malaysia in 1938.

The story, known as the “Story of G,” is reserved specifically for Hashers.

After its founding, the Harriers’ global presence increased slowly and steadily until the 1980s, when their popularity exploded. And in September 1992, the Hash House Harriers came to Ames.

“At present, there are over 1,500 Hashers in every major city around the world, where people from all walks of life come together on a weekly or monthly basis to hash,” said Nick Stull, six-year member of the Ames Hash House Harriers.

The hash is a cross-country, cross-town run that somewhat resembles the madness of a Living History Farms Race.

The Hashers set a meeting place, the designated hare lays a trail anywhere from 2 to 6 miles long, and then the craziness ensues as Hashers hunt for the trail. (Note: this is not a race.)

After finding the route and running it, the group usually ends up at one of Ames’ watering holes or a hasher’s home. There, camaraderie continues among fellow hashers with conversation, consumption and sing-alongs.

“It’s all about getting away from the mundane crap everybody deals with, whether it be studying or work or whatever, and learn to laugh at yourself and meet great people,” Stull said.

This weekend is a special one for the Ames Hash House Harriers because the group will be celebrating its seventh anniversary.

The hashers will run the “virgin trail” that charter member Chokie Chicken, set seven years ago this Sunday.

Since its beginning, Stull said the Ames chapter has hosted about 90 runs and has seen around 2,000 participants.

The group has just gone from monthly to weekly hashes, which are held on Monday nights.

Stull was drawn to the Hash after reading a 1993 article in the Iowa State Daily.

“I liked running, and I liked drinking beer, but I wasn’t quite sure how the two would go together, so I would say that curiosity was the reason I attended my first hash,” he said.

But hashing isn’t just for hard core drinkers and runners. Stull said that it is for anyone who likes any combination of the two, or just one of the two.

“Anyone can do it,” he said. “In our group, we have people who don’t run much but like to have a good time and people who have run many marathons and train everyday who also like to have a good time. No one is turned away, if you drink or not, run or not, it doesn’t matter.”

Stull said, “After participating in three hashes, you are awarded a nickname usually correlated with something foolish you’ve done during a hash or during after-hash activities.

Stull, known as Front Running Whiner, said once you get your name, that is who you are unless nominations and other foolish behavior get you a replacement.

He said he has run with many people without every knowing their real names.

In addition to the running and drinking, the red dress also has a role in the hashing organization. Hashers designate specific races as “Red Dress Races” wherein all members, men and women, put on their red dresses and take to the trails.

Stull said one of the races the Ames chapter suits up in red dresses is the Living History Farms competition.

The best way to understand the “hash concept” is to participate, and this weekend offers a grand opportunity for anyone who is interested.

Those interested should show up to the Old Target parking lot on Lincoln Way on Sunday at 11 a.m.

You will need old shoes and $7 to help cover the costs of the barbecue and beverage anniversary celebration that will follow.

For the down-low on the Ames chapter, contact Nick Stull at [email protected] or 232-9217.