Hong Kong hashers have followed the sweaty, drinking traditions set in Malaysia. Since chalking their first run in 1970, they've enjoyed a robust social life along the city's superb trails and in its bars.
A founding member of the Hong Kong Hash, Robin Radcliffe, once described his chapter as 'a bunch of drunks with a running problem'.
There are now 13 chapters, including the Sai Kung Steamers and the Hong Kong Blood Runners, which were set up after the handover. While the Hong Kong, Kowloon and Southside hashes are men-only, most chapters are mixed and have varying entry requirements: the Wan Chai Hash stipulates 'men and good lookers' and the Little Sai Wan Hash welcomes 'mostly anybody'.
The predominantly western T8 hash draws 'all who dare', since it only runs when the No 8 typhoon signal is raised. Formed by Tim Bywater-Lees and Tymon Mellor, who met his wife on a hash run during Typhoon Dot in 1993, the chapter first pitched 35 runners into Tropical Storm Helen and a record 43 into Typhoon Kent in 1995. In 1999, seven brave souls ventured out into Typhoon York, a T10 storm which packed 234km/h winds.
Despite the risk, chapter stalwart Steve Pyle says it beats sitting at home. 'It is probably the most dangerous hash in the world but what else are you going to do on a wet afternoon, freed from work,' he says. 'In a world where life becomes safer and safer people want the excitement of danger.' T8 hashers get pumped up when the No 8 signal is hoisted. 'Any mention of a T8 and I start twitching,' says John McKinven.
Then phones start ringing as people call to find out where and when to meet. The 'hare' will lay the trail using paper or rice. Meanwhile, other runners fetch beer and ice for the group and the rest of the pack sets off 20 to 30 minutes later.
