Dogleg found by hound

A motley group of 90 runners, walkers, and nature lovers made the most of their free time over the weekend by experiencing some of the island’s beauty and wildlife with the longest meeting organization in the CNMI during the 1,100th meeting the Saipan Hash House Harriers.

After first gathering at the Bank of Guam parking lot in Garapan for a brief photo session and registration, the adventure seekers journeyed to the San Roque fire station armed only with gloves and grubby clothes, where they received the special instructions from the “Hares,” Dogleg and Max Cheesemo.

The trail setters spent the better part of the week in the weeds plotting, cutting, and running the trail in preparation of the historic event, and once the 10-minute head start expired, the “Hounds” took off in search of the duo by following the trail of flour and orange ribbon that led them across Chalan Pale Arnold and into the bush.

The “Hounds” left few stones unturned as they investigated true and false trails through backyards, up waterfalls, and down valleys until stumbling upon the “scent” up Paradise Valley.

From there, the pack of boonie busters crossed the ridgeline before dropping down below the Laderan Achugao cliff line and passing through a cave. The trail continued to the Achugao water tank, down through Tanapag, and back across Chalan Pale Arnold. The roadrunners got their kicks during a brief stretch northward along the pavement until they crossed a clearing to the beach.

Rather than looking for a dry path, the hashers slopped through the knee-deep water along the coastline until they reached the sand behind the Aqua Resort Club, and followed the beach until reaching the “On Home” at a private location near the Plumeria Hotel.

While the weekly hash runs are anything but races, they are definitely hunts for the “Hares.” This time around, Dogleg was caught by the stealthy Cold Shower.

“Man, he’s fast. He was like six minutes ahead of Haj Peewee and Messiah. I thought I heard some crashing through the trees and when I turned around he was right there,” said Dogleg.

Cold Shower claimed Dogleg’s shorts for his prize, and the tale from the trail was shared with the full pack of pursuers once the post adventure activities began.

While last Saturday’s hash was a special event that recognized the 21st birthday of the self-proclaimed drinking club with a running problem, this weekend’s outing will have much of the same fun and frolic through the jungle.

On a regular hash, the “Hares” leave from the starting point, or box, and down the pre-made trail with a 10-minute head start. From then on they become fair game as the “Hounds” race onto the trail in search of the “Hares” following a mixture of flour and ribbon that guide the way to the finish, or “On Home”.

This weekend’s run will be led by Maxcheesmo and Dogleg again, and the duo should produce another one of their trademark adventures that wows the locals and tourists alike.

To participate in this weekend’s run, show up to the Bank of Guam parking lot in Garapan at 3:30pm, and don’t be late. The cost to participate in the hash is $10, and first-timers are advised to come equipped with their entry fee, running shoes, and a cross between running and hiking attire.

For more information about the Saipan Hash House Harriers, contact the wise and honorable Ciega by calling 322-9464.