What is the Mauritius Hash House Harriers (MHash)?
Looking for a fun way to explore Mauritius, stay active, and meet new people? Join the Mauritius Hash House Harriers (MHash)—a social running club that mixes exercise, adventure, and a great sense of humor!
What is the Hash House Harriers?
The Hash House Harriers is an international running club with a unique twist:
“A drinking club with a running problem!”
It’s a non-competitive, social running group that meets every second Sunday to run or walk a trail, followed by food, drinks, and plenty of laughter. Our routes take us off the beaten path—through forests, mountains, beaches, and hidden corners of Mauritius that you’d never explore otherwise!
After the run, we circle up for the famous “Down-Down” ceremony, where we recognize Hashers for their achievements (or hilarious mishaps) with a fun, lighthearted toast.
How Does a Hash Work?
Unlike traditional running events, a Hash is not a race—it’s a trail run with a twist!
Setting a Hash (Trail Marking)
Each run is prepared by volunteer Hares, who design and mark a unique trail using flour. Their goal is to make the run interesting and unpredictable!
The Trail
The Pack (you!) follows the trail—but it’s not straightforward!
- False trails to trick runners and add some fun challenges.
- Checkpoints where runners must search for the correct path.
- Regroups to make sure no one gets left behind.
To navigate the trail, it’s important to understand our Hash signs—these markings guide you along the route and help you avoid getting lost. If you’re new, don’t worry! Experienced Hashers will explain the signs before we start.
Who Runs the Hash? – The Mismanagement Committee
- Grand Master (GM) – The leader and face of the Hash.
- Religious/Sex Advisor – Conducts Hash traditions, brings humor, and keeps the spirit alive.
- Trail Master – Ensures the trails are fun and well-marked
- Cellar Master – Keeps the drinks flowing post-run.
- Hash Cash – Manages the funds and collects the Hash fee.
- Edit Hare – Shares updates and Hash news.
- Hash Horn/ Cow Bell – Blows the horn to keep the pack together.
Other roles may be added as needed to keep the Hash lively and well-organized!
The committee is elected every year at the Hash Bash, ensuring fresh energy and leadership for the Hash!
Is MHash for You?
Absolutely! The Hash is open to everyone—whether you’re a fast runner or prefer a casual walk.
Trails for all levels – Routes range from 5-8 km and are clearly marked.
Discover hidden Mauritius – Explore breathtaking locations off the tourist path.
Meet fun, adventurous people – A welcoming community for locals and expats alike.
Enjoy post-run traditions – Drinks, food, and our famous Down-Down ceremony!
Whether you’re an athlete or just want to have fun outdoors, there’s a place for you in the Hash!
When & Where?
We Hash every second Sunday at 10 a.m. in a different location each time.
Check our next run schedule to see where we’re meeting!
How Much Does It Cost?
Rs 250 per adult (includes post-run drinks)
Free for children under 12
This fee helps cover refreshments, event subsidies, and special Hash events like the Red Dress Run or the Hash Bash.
Ha$h Ca$h should be paid before the run, at the Hash.
What to Bring?
Mauritius can be hot—come prepared!
- Comfortable clothes & running shoes
- Hat & sunscreen
- Water
- Bring your own food. If you like to share, you are welcome.
- A small mat or chair for sitting (optional)
Important Notices
Family-Friendly – Parents must supervise children at all times.
Fun & Social Atmosphere – No extreme pranks, just good vibes!
Disclaimer: By joining, you accept personal responsibility for your participation—organizers are not liable for accidents.
While there are no strict rules, we follow the spirit of The Hash Commandments to keep the fun and traditions alive
Join the Adventure!
Ready to ditch the treadmill and explore Mauritius like never before?
Come join our next Hash and experience the island in a whole new way!
Find more Hash runs worldwide at the Global Hash Site or check out the Hash in Africa guide by our legendary hasher, Rey.
Introduction to Hashing for Virgins – By Tony
BRIEF HISTORY
Hashing is a social, recreational, cross-country, running for fun activity. It began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1938. Albert Gisbert, a chartered accountant, started up the harriers group from among bachelors of the day resident at Selangor Club Chambers.
The “hash house” was the term by which the dining room annex was known, because of its cuisine.
The hash trails were laid through the vast rubber plantations on the outskirts of KL. Since those early days, the number of hash chapters has increased, especially after WWII when allied troops picked up the idea and took it back home, to the point where there are now over 1,700 chapters in over 160 countries.
THE METHOD
The hares lay a trail (usually a couple of hours before the pack assembles) of flour, chalk, sawdust, or shredded paper (anything biodegradable) over a course in urban or rural areas.
A well-laid trail should include false trails and check backs (with a refreshment beer stop in warm weather) and is designed to delay the front runners so that the slower members can catch up, thus ensuring that all hashers and harriettes arrive at the end of the trail within a few minutes of each other.
A trail in Mauritius is generally between 60 and 90 minutes in duration and can be around 5 to 8 km. The Dodo Hash uses blobs of flour (OUR HASH SIGNS) with crosses to indicate checks and parallel lines or a circle to indicate check backs. Flour is usually laid on the left and the golden rule is “three blobs and you are on”.
Hounds must shout their status when “Are you?” is called and replies should be “ON ON” if you are on flour; “Checking” if you are checking out the options at a check; “Checking One or Two” if you have sighted blobs after a check; “Check Back” or “False Trail” if you are returning from either and, finally, “Looking” if you are not on flour but casting for the trail.
Directional arrows should be discouraged as they allow FRBs to speed even further ahead.
There are various quaint rules (The Hash Commandments) and customs to be observed during and after the trail.
Most hashers and harriettes have amusing handles and there are other names and terminology to be learnt. E.g. “We never run — …– out of beer”.
On extremely rare occasions these rules are broken and the Grand Master or Religious Advisor metes out some mild but amusing sentences after the run itself. These punishments generally involve imbibing some liquids.
In case of accident a medical first aid kit was carried on the hash by Barnacle Bill (now posted to Washington so don’t get hurt !)
Words to global ‘Hash Hymn’
Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home;
Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home;
I looked over Jordan and what did I see? Coming for to carry me home;
A band of angels coming after me, Coming for to carry me home;
*(repeat above until people start leaving)
