Here I am about to expose Erie's dirty little running secret. They're called the Eerie Hash House Harriers, a self-described "drinking group with a running problem."

First you have to understand that there are (for the most part) two kinds of runners -- those that are focused on performance and never drink alcohol or eat anything unhealthy and those that run so that they can drink alcohol and eat unhealthy things.

There are some, like me and a few other Erie area runners, who, well, to steal one area hasher's moniker, swing both ways. I'm among them.

I enjoy running, but I also enjoying having a good time. And, the hashers are all about having a good time and running.

Hashing is global -- hashing clubs are found all over the country and, indeed, the world. Different groups have different traditions, but one thing is usually central. Beer. Lots of it.

The history of hashing is actually quite fascinating. Here's a link to the Wikipedia listing. Yes, I'm well aware that Wikipedia is not the most accurate source, but...uh, something tells me the hashers wouldn't care, and, frankly, this information is the most complete I've found.

Every hash house has their own traditions, but one that most have annually is the Red Dress Run, where everyone -- and I mean everyone -- must wear a red dress.

I did the Eerie Hash House Harrier's first-ever Red Dress Run in 1997 and figured it was about time I did another -- so I recruited my sister-in-laws, Rhonda and Jodie, and we headed for the Sloppy Duck on April 21.

As always -- at least any time there's lots of beer and red dresses (the slinkier or frillier, the better) -- a good time was had by all. I was doing OK until nobody (but me) wanted to drink the pitcher of Yuengling at our first beer stop at Calamari's. Good think SIL, Jodie, isn't much of a drinker because she was able to drive us all safely home.