You don't have to drink, but you better be able to think
The Hash House Harriers is a group of clowns, mostly of whom are older that get together as often as possible for a bit of exercise and then sit around and make fun of one another while doing silly pranks and also having a bunch or props that are mean to be less than flattering.
The most important and biggest part of our events are the circles at the end where we have our ceremonies, most of which consists of making people to sit on the ice and get berated by the other members. The only people that are permitted to talk during these times are whoever has the floor and the people that are currently being interrogated. If you are around the sides and are chatting, you better be really quiet or else you are going to get put on the ice as well or in worst case scenarios, be forced to wear the cone of silence.
Now, a bit part of these circles is the drinking, but we do in fact have members that do not drink but they still get put on the ice and are expected to participate in the circle as much as anyone else. You gotta have some wits about you and I think this is one benefit of the hash that can be really helpful, especially for younger people or shy people. One of the greatest fears of people I knew in school was speaking in front of others. IT was never a problem that I ever had but when you are part of the Hash, it is something that you will be subjected to even if you try to hide and stay apart from it.
Actually, unless you have some sort of medical reason as to why you can't be on the ice (we have one guy who literally can't bend down that far) if you try to AVOID being put on the ice you can be guaranteed you will actually end up there more often.
Being part of the Hash might make you a better public speaker because there is some level of performance there and you needn't be afraid of Harsh criticism because everyone is being criticized and that is kind of what we are all about here.
So if you are the type of person that could work on your public speaking skills, know that this group will definitely help you with that because you aren't really going to have a choice!
all operations in Chiang Mai are currently suspended due to Covid. full details can be found on our website