What is Hashing

Welcome Newbies

If you are new to Central Oregon or new to the Central Oregon Hash, this is the page for you. Please consider joining us for a run, we would love to meet you, and you WILL have fun in addition to many other benefits.

Who are the Central Oregon Hash House Harriers (the hash)?

We meet once a month, typically on Saturdays and are mostly a bunch of folks who enjoy letting our hair down (ok, maybe even a little “frat” mentality), running, and drinking beer. We are a wide variety of age and running ability, from very fast to walkers and everything in between. This is an international organization, you can find hashes in countless cities around the world. While there is no direct connection between them, they all have very similar formats, and in fact, you’d be welcomed in any hash you attend (some hashes are single sex only, however).

What is hashing?

It is an international “running game” whereby the pack (that’s you) tries to solve the trail by interpreting marks put down in chalk and flour by the “hares” – those who set the trail. There are a few more details that we will teach you when you arrive.

When does the hash run?

Once a month, typically on Saturday afternoon.

What is the general format each week?

3:00ish: Start gathering

3:30ish: Hares away. The rest of the group is ready to start running. Towards end of run: Beer check (and water)

4:45ish: General socializing around the cooler

5:00ish: Religion, where we honor the hares, the golden nectar we enjoy, fun stories on trail, announcements

6:00ish: head to the bar/restaurant

Where is it?

It starts in a different place each time (choice of the hares), that’s the beauty of it! It is a fantastic way to get to know the nooks and crannies of the area. We’ll take you to the narrowest alleys and the highest peaks. Each start location is posted to this facebook page and on the google calendar.

How long are the runs?

80% of the runs are in the 3 – 5 mile range. Some will go to 6ish, and often there is a “turkey/eagle” split, which provides shorter vs. longer options.

What if I get lost?

Some say the risk of misadventure makes the sight of the beer all that much sweeter. Others just say get me to the fucking beer. Whatever your preference, we can accommodate, in more ways than one.

Generally, 99.69% of trails will end up back where they start, so if all else fails, finding your way back there will reunite you with the pack and get you your fair share of snacks and beer. We generally stop for a beer check about a half way through trail, so you can expect us back between 4:30-5ish.

If you are more of a risk taker, just pay attention to chalk talk, where we explain the marks, and then follow along with the pack as best you can. We try to help each other out by putting marks down as we run to indicate where we think the trail goes. You can tell true hashers from the foolish mortals without beer by our calls of "On On!" You can call out "Are you?" to get a response.

If you want to play it safe, ask for either a trail map (sometimes provided by our noble hares) or for just the location of the beer check. That way if you get lost you'll be able to find the fastest course to the beer.

The wisest of hashers, of course, will stick to the walkers' group. They still sometimes get lost (we are half-minds, after all), but they're smart enough to find a pub when they need one.

What if I'm not a fast runner?

Good, you definitely belong with us. We have competitive members, but we mostly leave our timing chips, energy gels, and race shirts at home for another day. Our hares try to design their trails to trick the faster runners and allow the slower runners time to catch up, so everyone arrives at the keg around the same time.

What should I bring?

Running shoes that are NOT brand new (trust us on this one)

Any apres-running gear that you like to change into, most just change a shirt and put on sweats

WARM outerwear for later, we tend to hang out outside for quite a while

$7 hash cash, for the hares

A flashlight/headlamp during the winter – we run in the dark!

A sense of humor

How much does it cost?

It is $7 per run. For your $7, in addition to the run, you also get multiple trips to the cooler of GOOD beer, snacks, water, and soda.

What about my stuff?

If you do not drive and have a bag of stuff (hopefully you brought warm clothes for after the run), you will be able to put your stuff in a locked car or van. Make sure to show up on time if you need to stow your stuff.

Is there any kind of formal membership?

There is no membership, and everyone who works on organizing the hashes are purely volunteers. Your hash cash goes towards beer, food, water, snacks, etc., and some extras now and then.

What about other “real” food?

After each hash we go to a local establishment for food, more beer, etc.

What are hash names all about?

If you stick around long enough, you will receive your own special hash name, usually related to something you do or say. Until then, you are known as Just “insert your first name here”.

Contents liberally borrowed from the San Francisco Hash House Harriers. ON ON