Maya had always been the adventurous type, but moving to Bakersfield had been a challenge. With no family or friends in town, she often found herself wandering through the hot, dusty streets, exploring a place that still felt like a stranger’s home. Her apartment was quiet, the days dragged by, and her only connection to the world outside was the occasional friendly smile from a cashier or barista. But loneliness crept in, despite her efforts to stay busy with work and the new sights of the city.

One afternoon, as Maya scrolled through a community bulletin board online, something caught her eye. “Bakersfield Hash House Harriers – A Drinking Club With a Running Problem – Who’s motto is "But It’s a Dry Heat!” She read the post several times, intrigued but unsure. The phrase “Hash House Harriers” was unfamiliar to her, but the idea of meeting new people in a social and active setting sounded appealing. After some hesitation, she decided to check it out. What did she have to lose?

The meeting spot was an old, a back alley in downtown Bakersfield, nestled between two nondescript buildings. Maya stood 20 yards away for a few moments, watching groups of people trickle in, all wearing mismatched shirts and laughing. There was a distinct air of camaraderie she didn’t quite understand but felt drawn to. As she entered, a friendly woman with a brightly colored bandana waved her over.

“Virgin – I mean first time, huh?” the woman said with a grin. “You’ll love it. Come join the madness!”

Maya felt her nerves ease slightly, and with a nervous smile, she introduced herself. “I’m Maya. I just moved here.”

“Well, welcome to the Hash House Harriers,” the woman replied. “We run trails and drink beer. The only thing required of all is to have a sense of humor.

The night began with an explanation – Chalk Talk : the Hash House Harriers weren’t a typical running group. They followed trail markers throughout the city—crossing alleys, through small parks, up and down hills—and there were plenty of surprises along the way. It was more about the journey, the people, and the laughs than about speed or competition.

And then there was the song.

The group gathered in a close group before the run, and Maya found herself awkwardly singing along with everyone. The song, with its silly adult lyrics and goofy motions, made her feel like she was part of something larger than herself. It was infectious, and soon, she was laughing along with everyone else.

The run itself was a mix of excitement and exhaustion – 5 miles for the runners, 3 for the walkers. Maya was in good shape so she chose to run. What a mistake, marathon and 100 milers she could barely keep up. The route led through parts of Bakersfield she’d never seen before—hidden trails behind old industrial buildings, quiet neighborhood streets with murals on the walls, and the odd historical marker that locals seemed to know by heart. Along the way, Maya chatted with several other hashers, all of whom shared stories of their own quirks and adventures of how they had gotten their silly names. They spoke about their love for Bakersfield and how they had made this city their home. It wasn’t long before Maya was laughing and joking along, forgetting about how lonely she had felt just hours before.

At the end of the run, they gathered back in a circle at the alley, where cold beer and chips awaited. The mood was light, the conversations easy, and before long, Maya felt like she had found her place. The people here—unconventional, a little wild – no really weird – but undeniably warm—had become like family in a way she hadn’t expected.

From that day on, Maya became a regular at the Hash House Harriers’ runs. Which run every Monday 6:30pm Each time she ran the trails, she discovered new parts of the city she loved. And each time, she felt a little more at home.

Bakersfield was no longer a strange, lonely place. It had become her home, filled with people who had welcomed her in with open arms and showed her that, sometimes, all you need to belong is a good run, a silly song, and a cold beer. Nex Hash will start from the geographic center of all things since Hash Time began. Parking Lot Planet Fitness and Barnes and Noble by Harris Elementary.

$5, 6:30, Fleshlight, sweats and a newbie. See if Just Lilly makes it 3.

On On

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