The hash is a fun run where the hare lays a trail which is intended to be interesting and which allows the slower runners to keep up with the faster runners (or "Flying Tigers"). Hares and hounds should note this!
The Hounds should try to get to the run at least 5 minutes before the time stated for the start. Normal running gear is fine but hounds are encouraged to wear "hash gear" (T-shirts etc. which have hash logos - see Hash Haberdashery if you want to see samples). It is also wise to bring some clothes for after the run as it's not much fun being in wet clothes or shivering at the end - use the weather as a guide to what to bring
The hash starts with a "hare talk" so that new runners are introduced and the trail markings are explained. The hare is expected not to give much away concerning the length of the run, whether there are hills, whether there is mud, river crossings etc. However, runs should aim to be 60 minutes long with a run of up to 75 minutes being acceptable if the terrain is interesting. Runs less than 30 minutes long are too short.
There are no walkers trails but the runs are "A to A" so they come back to the start. Sometimes the hare provides walkers with a map but don't count on it! The safe way to walk a running trail is to walk the trail for 30 minutes and then go back the same way!
The hare can use other marks but these should be explained at the start.
Hares should be able to draw the trail marks a bit better but no marks are given for artistic ability .... hares should make their marks clearly understandable
Beer checks are not normal on Dublin HHH runs but are, of course, welcomed if the hare wants to organise one!
Trail is normally in flour (go to Aldi/Lidl/Tesco and get their cheapest) or in chalk (use a piece of plasterboard recovered from a skip). Chalk is cheapest but does not work in the rain or over rough ground / grass etc. Hares can use a mix of media for marks. Allow at least a big bag of flour for each hash (2kg) ... you may need more! Flour marks can be made by using a tennis ball in a bag of flour .... just bounce it for each mark. In snow and sleet, you can add coloured powder paint, use dilute and cheap tomato ketchup or anything else that's coloured
Hashes are sustained by "Hash Cash" which goes towards providing refreshments at the end of the run. Hares do not claim for cost of flour, parking, travel, food, additional refreshments etc. as the costs of run laying are spread by rotating the responsibility to hare a run. In rare instances, a special event (e.g.one which does not start/finish at a pub) there may be additional expenses; these should be agreed with the hash cash before the run so that costs can be recovered through increased hash cash for that run only. Hares can, of course, provide extra touches on their runs (such as fancy dress etc.) but hash cash will not fund this - it's up to the members of the hash to respond accordingly at their own cost!
What is a good Trail?
A good trail is one which uses the terrain well (gaps in walls, fields, waste ground, footpaths, tracks etc.) and avoids use of long stretches of road. If most of the runners arrive back within a few minutes, this is the sign of a well laid trail. Having the length of the trail as near to 60 minutes will please everyone ... this is normally no longer than 6km. A bit of history or a trail which uses a previously unused path is always a bonus. Running through hotel foyers, car parks and shops can provide excitement!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON ROADS and DON'T GET RUN OVER
In winter, bring a torch and wear something light coloured and/or reflective
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