What To Expect

HASHING RULE NUMBER ONE

There are no rules.  OK, OK, even though there aren’t any rules, we do have certain traditions and customs:

Important update - although there aren't any rules, there are laws and regulations that we must abide by.  Back in 2007, one of our local clans experienced "Black Monday" when Beer Fairy was charged with transporting alcohol across state lines, and for purveying alcohol without a license.  Since that time, each clan has modified their behavior to some extent.  For example, we no longer buy beer strictly in DC, but now purchase it in the state/district where we run that week.  And most kennels don't serve beverages at the start as we usually start in a public location.  Also, we're not selling anything (unless you buy a t-shirt from the Haberdasher), but simply take up a collection to offset the costs of refreshments and supplies - we don't want to rely on the hares to pay for it all out of there pocket, now do we?  So remember, have respect for our laws and regulations, and we'll be able to continue having great fun every week.

WHAT TO EXPECT - - - 

Weekly Runs

Most DC hashes run once a week, come rain, snow, earthquake, famine, holidays, stifling heat, bitter cold, and anything else you want to throw in that category. We run all over the Washington DC / Baltimore area. Trail distances are generally between 4-6 miles. Directions to each run are available on the hash phone line (202-PUD-JAM0 for most hashes) or on each hash's website (and you can find all the links here and on dchashing.com.)

Sign - in

For most DC area hashes, no invitation is required.  You just show up!  You'll generally find a small group of people who look like non-athletes wearing ratty sneakers and some form of running gear.  Walk up, say "Is this the hash?"  If you've actually found us and not a group of undercover cops planning their next bust, you'll likely get a warm reception.  Come to think of it, the undercover police officers will likely also give you a warm welcome, so what do you have to lose?  Ask them who's doing sign-in, and give them your name - and be prepared to show some form of ID to prove you're over 21.  Each hash - or kennel - requests a donation of $5 - $8 to cover the cost of the refreshments and supplies. For special events - and most Full mOOn runs, a donation of $15 to $20 covers food and drink at an OnOnOn location.  By almost any yardstick, it would be a bargain at twice the price.

Virgins

If this is your first hash run, you're considered a "virgin".  Someone will take you aside and explain the rules of the hash, how to read the trail marks and follow the trail, and may even introduce you around.

Start

At some point, one of the GMs or RAs (Grand Master or Religious Advisor) will yell for everyone to circle up.  This is where they introduce the virgins, the visitors, and the hares for that day's trail.  The hares will tell you a bit about what to expect on trail and anything else you may need to know.  Some hashes give their hares a 10 - 15 minute head-start, and then start to follow trail and shortcut in an effort to "catch" the hares.  Other kennels allow their hares to pre-lay the trail, and run trail with the pack in order to keep them from getting totally lost.  After some stretching and warm-up - generally to the tune of a hash song, the pack is off!

The Trail

Nearly every DC area hash provides two trails - a long trail for the runners, and a short trail for those who choose to walk.  Runners trails are generally much tougher, filled with shiggy (woods, briars, brambles, swamps, mud, obstacles, poison ivy, etc).  Generally, the trails are coordinated so that the walkers and runners meet at some point for a short break, and to imbibe of their favorite beverage - beer!  The trail will then continue to the end of trail, with most runners trails being about 4-6 miles, and taking nearly an hour to complete.  

Trail Marks

Trails are generally marked with flour, although chalk, paper, and other materials may be used.  The hares will explain how they marked their trail at the start circle.  Hashers follow the marks - which may be on the ground, on a tree trunk, a mailbox, signpost, side of the road, on a rock in the middle of the stream, etc - until they come to a "check".  A "check" means that the trail could go in any direction, so the FRBs (front-running bast*rds) will choose a direction and follow marks until they come to a "false trail" mark.  At that point, they turn around and go back to the check until someone solves the check and the pack is headed off on "true trail".  Hares lay these checks and false trails as a way to slow down the pack and keep them from being snared.  Hares are ingenious creatures and have a whole slew of tricks to keep the pack guessing.  What it really does is allow the slower runners to catch up, and make the faster runners run further.  See the TrailMarks for a description of the various marks that are used (and then come back here!). 

The Circle

At the end of the trail, everyone will have an opportunity to socialize, drink a beer or two (water and sodas are also available), have something to eat, and then be able to participate in one of the great hash traditions, the Circle. During the Circle, virgin (i.e., first-time) hashers and visitors from other hashes will be introduced, and the hares will have to atone for the trail that they just made us do. We will also recognize run anniversaries by individual hashers and note any particularly stupid behavior that might have occurred during the trail. Hashers called into the Circle will be given the beverage of their choice (beer, soda or water) to chug (which we call a Down Down—and what doesn’t go IN you, goes ON you) while the rest of us serenade them with hash songs. Hash namings (the fine tradition of getting a hash nick name—remember “G”?) will also occur during the Circle.

What to bring

Wear something comfortable to run or walk in and bring a bag with dry shoes and clothes to change into if you sweat a lot or in case the hares lead us on a typical trail of mud, muck, and water crossings. In cold weather, an extra sweatshirt or jacket to wear after the run is advisable. In spring and summer, a poison ivy block is also a good idea.

What NOT to bring

Most hashers just love it when a fellow hasher wears new shoes to the hash, because, as we all know, new shoes need to be broken in. So to help with that process, anyone wearing new shoes will get to drink out of them at the Circle. Since we will have probably run through muck by then, the beer will be mighty tasty.

Now, since the purpose of the hash is to have fun and socialize and NOT show your fellow hashers how athletic you are, hashers who show up wearing anything that tries to disprove this will be duly rewarded. In hash parlance, R*A*C*E* is a 4-letter word. Wear a r*cing shirt to the hash? Expect to do a Down Down. We might even ask you to take it off. Just hope you have something else to wear.

One other thing about what NOT to wear. If you are fortunate enough to be called into the Circle to do a Down Down, remember that you are entering a sacred area. OK, OK, maybe it really is just mud and grass, but for the moment it is as close to a religious experience as many of us get. Show some respect. If you are wearing a hat, remove it.

Hash Responsibilities

Hashers respect the rights and property of others at all times. Hares are cautioned to avoid laying a trail which crosses private property, unless they have obtained advance permission from the landowner, and to avoid other dangerous situations in setting the trail.  Each Hasher also has a responsibility to use a little common sense when following the trail and not to trample some unsuspecting homeowner's shrubbery or newly planted grass or to otherwise antagonize the neighbors.

In addition, hashing is a voluntary endeavor, so borrowing a typical hash phrase: If you get hurt, it’s your own damn fault!  A final word of caution concerns drinking and driving. Although the hash recognizes beer as a life-enhancing fluid, each hasher must drink responsibly. If you believe a fellow hasher to be impaired, let others know and intervene so we can ensure the impaired get home safely. They can always return the favor at another time.

Where do I sign up?

That's easy - just go to the Hash calendar, find the day of the week you want to run, and see which groups run that day.  Follow the links to their website and look for the directions to their next run.  Then, just show up about 15 minutes early and introduce yourself.  You're in!