Grenada’s Hash House Harriers
A fun, social island adventure close to your St. George’s vacation rental
The Grenada Hash House Harriers (GH3) should be at the top of your list if you are staying in St. George’s, Grenada, and want to do something unique outside. A “hash” is a mix of a fitness challenge, a social outing, and a cultural experience. It involves hiking, laughing, music, food, and getting to know people from the island.
If you’re going to Grenada for a week or a month, joining a hash is a great way to see parts of the island that most tourists don’t get to see.
A Brief History of the Hash House Harriers
The Hash House Harriers is a social running club that doesn’t compete and has local chapters called “kennels.” Grenada has one of the friendliest and most active kennels in the Caribbean.
The movement started in Selangor (now Malaysia) in 1938 when British expats started a running group on Fridays based on the old English game of hare and hounds. One or more runners, called hares, would run ahead and leave a trail of shredded paper for the hounds to follow. The hounds would try to stay on track. The hares often put in “false trails” to throw off the pack, which made it a mix of exercise, a scavenger hunt, and just plain fun.
That strange tradition is still going strong in Grenada every Saturday afternoon.
What Goes on at a Grenada Hash?
Before the Hash
When you get there, you’ll sign in and pay an optional EC$3 (about US$1.20). Organizers can make sure everyone gets home safely by having you sign in and check your name off when you finish the course.
If you’re new to hashing, the Hash Master or Hash Mistress will go over the rules and trail markings before the start.
You can choose between two paths:
- Runner’s trail, longer and harder
- Walker’s trail: usually 2–3 miles long and takes about an hour.
Both have beautiful views and lots of fun things to do.
During the Hash
The group shouts “On On!” at the beginning, and then the pack leaves.
There are no two hashes that are the same. Trails change every week and could lead you to:
- through calm valleys
- through rivers and streams
- on beaches with black or white sand
- into trails through lush rainforests
- or going through cute villages
Shredded paper shows the right way, and getting lost on a false trail is part of the fun.
One hash that stands out is the one that goes down and up a steep hill through a dramatic valley. At the end, you get to see one of the island’s oldest and biggest trees. People who live there, cruise there, go to school there, move there, and travel there keep coming back because every week brings something new.
After the Hash
You know the end is near when you hear music in the distance. At the end, you can expect a lot of cold drinks, grilled food, and lively island music.
New hashers take part in a fun initiation ceremony. Tip: Give your phone and other valuables to a friend if you don’t want them to get beer on them!
There are also fun “punishments” for wearing new running shoes, like drinking beer out of them.
How Much Does It Cost?
Hashing is very cheap:
- EC$3 optional trail fee
- Five dollars for each beer
- Food costs EC$10
It’s one of the best things to do on the island for the money.
How to Find the Hash
Every week, hashes take place in a different place, from St. George’s to the northern countryside. The GH3 website and Facebook page have information about where to find them.
Abbie, a well-known hash driver, can help you get there the easiest way. Her phone number is +1 (473) 419-6600. Make your reservation early because seats fill up quickly.
You can also rent a car or use Haylup, Grenada’s ride-sharing service. Stay away from public buses because they might not run after the celebrations are over.
Who Can Join?
Anyone at all. GH3 calls themselves “drinkers with a running problem,” but their fitness levels are very different. You will meet people from all over the world, including locals, cruisers, university students, families, and tourists.
For guests at our St. George’s vacation rental, hashing is an unforgettable way to:
- find Grenada’s secret paths
- meet locals who are nice
- stay busy while on vacation
- get a taste of real island life
Most guests come back again and again after trying it once.
The Grenada Hash House Harriers are a fun, cheap, and adventurous way to see the island, whether you like to walk slowly or run fast. Put on your shoes, bring your sense of humor, and get ready to shout “On On!” with one of Grenada’s most popular outdoor groups.
We’d be happy to help you find the closest hash to our vacation rental while you’re here. Just let us know.
