A SPORTS group which describes itself as a “drinking club with a running problem” has appealed for more members.

The Oxford Hash Harriers, meet every week for a run, followed by a drink.

Hashing, a type of hunting on foot, is a tradition dating back to the 1930s, when a group of British colonial officers began meeting on Monday evenings in Kuala Lumpur to run.

Hashers run around the streets and footpaths following a trail laid by the ‘hare’, a person designated to lead the pack.

The trail is marked by blobs of flour that the ‘pack’ of runners search for as they run along.

Then the hashers end the trail with a few pints.

Hasher Steve Marsh said: “The hash is organised by volunteers known as the mis-management committee and they get hares to lay each week’s run, others to provide food and drink and also organise other social activities.

“Hashing is an ideal way to get fitter by helping you begin running. Its great fun and very social too.”

For details contact stevepaulmarsh@gmail.com or visit oxfordh3.org