The Emerald Coast Hash House Harriers is a member of the worldwide disorganization of Hash House Harriers. The "Hash" is described as a drinking club for people with a running problem.

The Hash plays an old British children's game called hounds and hares. In our version, everyone meets at a designated location, about a quarter to half hour before the designated time. Each individual registers, pays dues (currently 4 bucks), and quaffs the beverage of their choice. At the designated time (called "hares away"), the (previously selected) hares depart the pack, marking their trail strangely (the strange markings, which include liberal deceptions, will be explained to hash "virgins").

After a suitable interval (generally 15 minutes), the rest of the pack (the "hounds") departs (running, walking, creeping, or crawling) in an attempt to catch the hares. Eventually, the hares get tired of being chased, and end their trail at an arbitrary location they declare to be the "On Home". The pack of hounds straggles in, and proceeds again to quaff the beverage of their choice. When the pack is accounted for, certain arcane quasi-religious rituals are performed (called "the circle"). When the circle is over, the hash "goes in peace" to meet again another day.

Note: The Hash is an adult experience/gathering. We make no attempt to censor adult language or behavior. We generally do not recommend that younger children attend our regular hashes (although they will not be turned away). However, we do periodically put on Family Hashes, at which children are welcome and encouraged. Our youngest hashers are in diapers (nappies, to you Brits), and our oldest are in their dotage. Running capabilities range from 3-hour marathoners to hashers with artificial knees. And most of all, the Hash is NOT a competition (except to catch the Hares), but a friendly get together for having outdoor fun.

Schedules of 4 Fort Walton hashes are posted at http://www.hashhouseharriers.net.