Mother Hash

Culture & Traditions

The Mother Hash is the Kuala Lumpur Hash House Harriers, founded in December 1938. It is the original hash from which all other kennels worldwide descended.

Founding

Founded by British colonial officials and expatriates in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

  • A.S. Gispert (British accountant of Catalan descent) — credited as founder
  • Cecil Lee
  • Frederick “Horse” Thomson
  • Ronald “Torch” Bennett
  • Frank Woodford (returned to Scotland after WWII)

The Name

“Hash House” referred to the Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur where the group met. The food was reportedly so bad it was called “hash,” and the term stuck.

Legacy

  • Still active today (run #1 was December 1938)
  • The oldest continuously running hash
  • All other kennels trace their lineage to the Mother Hash
  • Interhash events often include a pilgrimage to the Mother Hash
← All glossary terms