Welcome to the Shiggy – A Newbie’s Guide to STLH3

So, you found us. Maybe you saw a bunch of people covered in mud running through a Forest Park creek, or you saw a stray chalk mark on a Soulard sidewalk and followed it here.

Whatever the reason, welcome. The St. Louis Hash House Harriers (STLH3) isn’t your typical running club. We don’t care about your 5K pace, and we don’t give out medals. We hunt for trail, we hunt for the “Hare,” and we hunt for a good time.

1. What exactly is a “Hash”?

It’s a game of Hare and Hounds. One or two people (the “Hares”) get a head start to lay a trail using flour or chalk. The rest of us (the “Hounds”) try to find the trail and catch the Hares.

The Catch: The trail isn’t a straight line. It’s full of “Checks” (dead ends) designed to slow down the fast runners so the walkers and social crawlers can catch up. This keeps the pack together.

2. What is “Shiggy”?

In the hashing world, Shiggy is anything that isn’t pavement. It’s mud, waist-deep creek crossings, briars, tunnels, and hills.

Rule #1: Wear shoes you are prepared to throw away (or at least hose off for an hour).
Rule #2: Expect to get dirty. If you finish dry and clean, you did it wrong.

3. The Sunday Schedule

We meet every single Sunday, rain or shine (or snow).

Winter (Labor Day to Memorial Day): 3:00 PM
Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 5:00 PM
Cost: $5 “Hash Cash.” This covers your trail snacks and beverages.

4. How do I get there?

Our start locations (the “A-Site”) change every week to keep the adventure fresh. We scout spots all over the St. Louis metro area, from the city alleys to the deep woods of the county.

Pro-Tip: Because we move around so much, a car is essential. If you’re visiting from out of town, we highly recommend a rental car to reach our more remote trailheads.

5. No Athletes Allowed (Sort of)

You don’t need to be a marathoner. If you can jog a mile or two, you’ll be fine. If you get tired, we have “True Trails” for runners and “Eagle Trails” for the masochists. Just follow the shouts of “On-On!” (which means “I’m on the trail!”).

6. The “Down-Down”

After the run, we gather in a circle to “critique” the Hares, celebrate the trail, and hand out social refreshments. This is where the real storytelling happens.

Ready to join the pack?

Check our latest post for this Sunday’s location.
Show up with $5 and a sense of adventure.
Look for the flour.

On-On! — The STLH3 Pack