Run:- 2140, 30 December 2024
Location:- Bang Kachao, Soi Wat Ratrangsan 1
Hare:- Virginia Slim

Introduction

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, the Bangkok Monday Hash House Harriers gathered for one last 2024 adventure, this time under the spirited leadership of Hare Virginia Slim. Known for his knack for combining humor, creativity, and a touch of chaos, Virginia Slim promised a run that would close out the year with laughter, camaraderie, and a few surprises. Did he deliver? You bet he did!

Setting the Scene

The run kicked off in a festive atmosphere, The starting point was across the river but in a new location., lending a celebratory vibe to the evening. Virginia Slim greeted the group with his usual charisma, promising a trail that would challenge their legs and tickle their funny bones.

"Tonight’s run is like 2024," he announced. "Full of ups, downs, and moments where you wonder why you’re even here. But in the end, you’ll be glad you came!"

The Trail: A Pre-New Year Adventure

Virginia Slim’s trail was anything but ordinary. True to form, he laid a route that combined scenic paths, tricky turns, and just the right amount of mischief.

Checkpoint 1: The Resolution Reminder

The first checkpoint featured a tongue-in-cheek nod to New Year’s resolutions. Participants were handed slips of paper with generic resolutions like "Run more," "Drink less beer," and "Be nicer to the hare." To proceed, they had to shout their resolution aloud, with many adding their own humorous twists.

Checkpoint 2: The Champagne Chase

At this stop, Hashers were treated to a mini-game involving a bottle of sparkling water disguised as champagne. The goal? Catch the "bartender" (a volunteer sprinting away with the bottle) to claim a quick hydration break. It was chaos, and everyone loved it.

Checkpoint 3: The Countdown Crawl

Near the end of the trail, the hare threw in a "countdown challenge." Runners had to count backward from 10 to 1 while navigating a narrow alley. Simple? Not when you’re laughing, panting, and trying not to trip over your fellow Hashers.

Virginia Slim’s Signature Humor

As always, Virginia Slim’s personality shone through every aspect of the run. His trail markings included cheeky notes like, "Wrong way, but good effort!" and "Turn left unless you’re right-handed." At one point, he hid behind a bush to jump out and shout, "Surprise! It’s the same old trail!" before directing runners back on track.

Hashers appreciated his ability to keep the mood light, even when their legs were screaming on a particularly steep hill. "Think of this incline as 2024’s last bad decision," he joked. "Get over it, and it’s all downhill from here—literally!"

Post-Run Revelry

After completing the trail, the group gathered for the traditional Hash circle, which was particularly lively in light of the year-end theme. Virginia Slim was celebrated with cheers and a festive beer down-down as the group toasted to his creativity and humor.

The circle was filled with:
"Accusations" and "Punishments": Runners were called out for offenses like wearing overly festive attire or getting hilariously lost despite clear markings. Each received a fun penalty drink.

New Year’s Predictions: Participants made outrageous predictions for 2025, ranging from "Virginia Slim will finally set a straightforward trail" to "Hashers will learn to navigate without arguing."

Songs and Cheers: A rousing rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" (with improvised Hash lyrics) closed out the circle, setting the tone for a joyful transition into the new year.

Reflections and Feedback

The pre-New Year run was a resounding success, offering the perfect blend of physical activity, humor, and holiday spirit. Hashers praised Virginia Slim for his ability to create a unique and engaging experience, with many calling it one of the year’s highlights.

"I’ll remember this run every time I think of 2024," one Hasher quipped. "Especially the part where I almost fell into the ‘Champagne Chase’ puddle."

Conclusion

Virginia Slim’s Pre-New Year Bangkok Monday Run was a fitting farewell to 2024, capturing the essence of Hashing: community, laughter, and the occasional uphill struggle. As Hashers parted ways, many expressed excitement for the adventures to come in 2025. If this run is anything to go by, the new year is already off to a fantastic start.