What We Are

The Madrid Hash House Harriers - usually written as MH3 - was founded in May 1984. The average turnout is now around 40 runners and walkers each week. Each run site is normally incredibly scenic and takes you to parts on the Comunidad de Madrid which hitherto only existed in your wet dreams.

When do we run?

Well, during Autumn, Winter and Spring months we meet every Sunday at 13.00 hours.

In June, July and August we run on Saturdays at 18.00 hours. Additionally, during these months we also run on Wednesday evenings at 20.00 - usually in or close to the centre of Madrid (so the workers amongst us can get there after work).

And if all that wasn´t enough we now have a new addition to our run agenda. The first Friday of every month the MH3 proudly presents the FFFFFF Run - The Fank F´it´s the First Friday Frash at FatLarrys Run. We meet at Larry´s Bar (C/ Alberto Alcocer 7 - nearest metros Cuzco) at precisely 21.00 - not a minute later. We have a night run followed by drinkie´poohs in our own private snug. No kids, no dogs, no early closing.

Anf if all THAT still wasn´t enough, about three times a year we jump into our cars and head off to the East or South coasts - or wherever it takes our fancy - for a long weekend of Hashing frivolity, usually meeting up with members of other Iberian hashes (Mijas or Almancil for example).

AND, for the internationally minded amongst us you have the opportunity to gate crash any other Hash in any other part of the World you so choose - 1500 or so we believe. (See Links page). Add Eurohash and Interhash to the list ... and the World is indeed your lobster.

Apart from the Finnegans bashes we meet at a different venue each time, decided by the two people acting as the Hares (trail setters) for that day's run. A Hash fee has to be paid by all, currently 4€ per run and 2€ for children between 5 and 15, entitling you to partake in as many drinks as you want after the run. (Friday runs 5 - 10€ ... but that includes extended drinking).

We gather at the chosen site and try and follow the trail set by the Hares which, in open country, is not easy. The trail is marked with dots of flour. Those who find the trail call "On On!" to let the others know where to follow and to ensure that nobody gets lost. There is often a horn and/or whistle so that you can always find the pack if you happen to get separated.

The run is designed in such a way that slow runners can easily catch up with the faster ones. It is not a race and, in fact, there are penalties for competitive running. Often the slowest arrive back first. You can run, jog, walk or remain completely immobile, it is entirely up to you.

The run usually lasts about one hour. Afterwards, we relax for a while and socialize. Following a small period of relative inactivity we have the Down Down ceremony in which various people are called out for different reasons: to be introduced or welcomed back or to receive a "penalty" (if that's what you can call a nice cool beer..) for different offences, such as calling on a shortcut, competitive running, etc.... These penalties are always humorous and fun, involving beer drinking and a good deal of chuckling at one's self. Afterwards, we usually have a picnic or barbecue in summer, or attend an inexpensive restaurant in winter. We then wait for a week for the fun to begin again.