ABOUT

Sierra H4

About Sierra Hash House Harriers & Harriettes

Freetown's Favorite Drinking Club with a Running Problem

WHO WE ARE

Welcome to Sierra Hash House Harriers & Harriettes (Sierra H4), where the streets of Freetown become our playground and every run is an adventure waiting to happen.

We're not your typical running club. We're a vibrant community of runners, walkers, and beer enthusiasts who believe that fitness should be fun, social, and maybe just a little bit ridiculous.

Part of the global Hash House Harriers family since our founding, we bring the spirit of 'hashing' to the hills, beaches, and bustling streets of Sierra Leone's capital.

OUR ROOTS

The Hash House Harriers (abbreviated to HHH or H3) is an international group of non-competitive running social clubs. An event organized by a club is known as a hash, hash run or simply hashing, with participants calling themselves hashers or hares and hounds.

The ‘Hash House’ was the mildly derogatory nickname given (for its unimaginative, monotonous food) to the Selangor Club Chambers, Malaya, by the British Civil Servants and businessman who lived and dined there.

Ancient Harriers: The idea of Harriers chasing paper was not new to Malaya in 1938, as there had been such ‘Hare and Hounds’ clubs before in Kuala Lumpur.

Hash House Harriers: In 1938, Thomson, Lee, Bennett and Gispert in Kuala Lumpur founded their own club, following the rules they had learnt elsewhere. It was ‘G’ Gispert who was apparently the moving spirit behind the club, though he never acted as On-Sec or a Joint Master. It is not clear that the club actually had a name at the very beginning, but Gispert is credited with proposing ‘The Hash House Harriers’ when the Registrar of Societies required the gathering to be legally registered. The HHH duly celebrated its 100th run on 15 August 1941, but only 17 runs later was forced into temporary hibernation by the arrival of the Japanese and World War II.

The Hash Spreads Out: The second Hash Chapter was founded in Singapore in 1962. Sydney was the first chapter created outside Malaysia and Singapore, in 1967, and the worldwide expansion had started, but even by the time of K.L.’s 1,500th run, in 1974, the total was only 35, so the subsequent explosion has been spectacular indeed (including, of course, the Lagos Hash House Harriers in 1979).

Interhash: The first attempts at an Interhash get-together were the K.L. 1,000th post-war run in 1966, and the spectacular 1,500th run in 1974, when attendance was something over 300. The first genuine INTERHASH, in 1978 in Hong Kong broke new ground, with an attendance of around 800.

The Hash House Harriers tradition began in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when a group of British expatriates decided they needed a way to cure their weekend hangovers and get some exercise. They created a 'drinking club with a running problem' based on the old British game of 'Hare and Hounds.'

The name came from the 'Hash House' - the Selangor Club where they met and ate what they called 'hash' (mediocre food). Little did they know they were starting a global phenomenon that would spread to over 1,600 cities across 180+ countries.

Sierra H4 proudly carries this tradition forward in Freetown, adding our own West African flavor to the mix. We're putting Sierra Leone on the global hashing map - and we're just getting started.

Learn more about H3 History

RULES, GUIDELINES, OBJECTIVES & PROCLAMATIONS

Rules

There ARE no rules, but the Grand Master (GM) is always right.
If the Grand Master is wrong, then refer to Rule 1.
All other rules do not exist and are therefore, null and void. Some Hash Houses do, in fact, create new rules but in all such cases Rule 1 applies.

Guidelines

Religious Adviser (RA), usually becomes Grand Master (GM) at the end of his/her tenure unless Mismanagement rules otherwise.
The tenure of a Mismanagement Team is one year.
The Hare is responsible for laying the trail or accompanying the Hasher laying the trail.
The Hash should not provide transport for Hashers to travel to events outside Sierra H4.
A ‘new Hasher’ turning up after a Run without taking part in the Run cannot be introduced as a Virgin in the Circle.
To earn a Hash Handle (Hash Name), a Hasher should have RUN/WALKED at least 10 times. Attending a run at least 10 times and/or hosting a run, does not guarantee you a Hash name. Any decision to name a Hasher is at the GM’s discretion.
Sierra H4 will not rename a Hasher who has been previously named by any other kennel, worldwide. Conversely, Sierra H4 would not expect any other kennel, worldwide, to rename a Hasher that has already been named by Sierra H4. Such a name would not be recognised by Sierra H4. In the very unusual event of Sierra H4 deciding to rename one of its Hashers, at the Hasher's request, the new name will be dreadful and disgusting!!
Hashers will risk being iced, or worse, if not properly dressed in Hash attire, which includes sneakers or proper walking shoes. No sandals, slippers or crocs will be allowed. Badges and patches can only be worn in the circle by visitors or virgins. Repeat offenders will face sanction.
All Sierra H4 Hashers are subject to the discipline and rules of the Kennel/GM they are visiting, throughout the time of the visit. If any Hasher from another Kennel warrants discipline/suspension from Sierra H4 events, the GM of the Hasher’s Kennel will be informed within 48 hrs by the GM of Sierra H4. Similarly, Sierra H4 GM would expect reciprocity from his/her fellow GM/HM, if a Sierra H4 Hasher warrants discipline. Undermining the authority of a fellow GM/HM is discouraged.
No Sierra H4 Hasher should conduct their private business at a Sierra H4 venue or event or use the Sierra H4 logo for private business.
Each new Mismanagement Team is encouraged to review this document within the first quarter of their tenure and make sure all members of Sierra H4 know about it. These Guidelines are non-binding. If in doubt refer to Rule No 1.

Traditions

Down Downs to be drunk with the left hand.
No headgear worn at Down Downs… includes spectacles and sunglasses.
Permission required to Exit/Enter the Circle. Put your mug on your head and signal whoever is in charge of the circle at the time.
At a Down Down finish ALL your drink and place your mug upside down on your head. Mug must be upside down on your head whether you finish your drink or not.
Never point. Bend your arm and direct your elbow towards the person.
Do not talk in the Circle unless called upon to do so.
Never refuse to sit on the ice when punished, regardless of your believed innocence.
A Hasher wearing new shoes is obliged to drink from one of them or surrender it to the shoe stomper.

Objectives

To promote physical fitness amongst its members.
To get rid of weekend hangovers.
To acquire a good thirst and satisfy it in beer.
To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel.

Proclamations

If any Sierra H4 Hasher misbehaves at a Run/Walk/Circle and a complaint is made AND seconded by another Hasher who witnessed the infraction the matter will be taken up by Sierra H4 Mismanagement. Otherwise it will be considered null and void.
If any Sierra H4 Hasher misbehaves at an Away event (all Hash events outside Sierra H4 including those organized by other kennels), and a complaint is made by ANY Hasher who was at the event AND seconded by a Sierra H4 Hasher, the matter will be taken up by Sierra H4 Mismanagement Team. Otherwise, it will be considered null and void.
If there is a complaint of bad behaviour by a Sierra H4 Hasher, the complaint can be made via the contact us form on the website and should be done within 72 hrs of the incident. After 72 hrs, it will be considered null and void.
On receipt of a complaint, the Mismanagement member will forward it to the Mismanagement WhatsApp platform for immediate action.
The GM will set up an Investigative Committee of which he/she is the Chairperson.
The procedure for investigation will be drawn up by the Committee, and its findings must be made public, unfailingly, within 2 weeks of the incident.
Failure to cooperate with the investigative committee within 72 hrs of being INFORMED of the complaint will be taken as an admission of guilt.
(Reviewed and Approved by SH4 Grand Master, DGM Promiscuous Dick & SH4 Mismanagement Team, 2025)

WHAT WE DO

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WE RUN

Every week, a 'hare' sets a trail using flour or chalk, and the 'hounds' (that's us) chase it down through Freetown's streets, beaches, and hills. It's part treasure hunt, part workout, all fun.

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WE DRINK

After the run comes the circle - where we gather, share laughs, sing questionable songs, and enjoy cold beverages. It's where friendships are forged and memories are made.

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WE CONNECT

From birthday runs to the Red Dress Run, from our anniversary celebrations to international hash events, we create experiences that bring people together.

OUR MISSION

✓To promote physical fitness among our members (and have a laugh while doing it)
✓To get rid of weekend hangovers (or create new ones, we're flexible)
✓To acquire a good thirst and satisfy it with beer
✓To persuade older members that they're not as old as they feel
✓To showcase the beauty and adventure that Sierra Leone has to offer

MAKING HISTORY

In 2025, Sierra Leone made history by winning the bid to host the Pan Africa Hash (PAH) 2027 in Freetown - a landmark achievement that beat other African countries. This puts Sierra Leone firmly on the international hashing map and showcases our country's growing reputation as a tourism destination.

PAH 2027

From breathtaking beach runs to lush rainforest trails, vibrant city circles to legendary after-parties, Freetown will show the continent what Sierra Leone hospitality is all about. The countdown has begun!

On On PAH 2027

R U ON?

Whether you're a seasoned hasher or have never heard of hashing before, we welcome everyone. All fitness levels, all ages, all backgrounds. If you can walk or run 5km and enjoy good company, you're in.

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