The only main difference between hash groups is their emphasis on the sporting versus social aspects of hashing.  The following is a very simple step-by-step description of what you need to do for a pleasant first time hash.

A "hash" is social jogging for the unfit, slightly fit and nearly fit.  The members of the group are referred to as the "harriers."  The Hash House Harriers (the  "Hash") is an international group of runners (hashers) whose primary goal is to have "fun".  After all, the hash motto is, "If you've got half a mind ... that's all it takes."  The hash isn't a race; there are no prizes for the fastest runners.  Following the trail is the challenge; camaraderie and beverages are the rewards. Sweat, mud, blood and scars are often trophies of great hashing.

Typically a trail is set by two members (called the hares), who lay a trail of flour over a course they have chosen. The Hares are traditionally given a 15-minute head start before the pack starts after. The Hares uses various marks to indicate direction and deviously tries to outwit the pack. There are CHECKINGS, every few hundred feet or less, where better runners can run further in endeavoring to find the correct path, and slower runners can have a rest.

The packs purpose is to; catch the Hare, if possible, avoid getting lost and continue onward to the next beer-check. Eventually everyone makes it to the On-In where running takes a backseat to socializing. The Hare gets abused, Hashers with Hash-crimes from the trail get abused, beer (or soda and water) and various snacks get consumed and songs are sung. The typical hash is 3-5 miles over hill and dale, through villages, farms and jungle, etc.

The Saipan Hash runs on Saturdays at 3:30/4:00 p.m. depending on day light savings time. These runs are 3-5 miles in length. Our Hashes are open to all levels. There is a participation fee of U.S. $10.00 (non-negotiable; no yen, pesos, baht, loonies or other funny money accepted).

As adults, running has become something different, the fun part seems to have gone away and running is sometimes something we have to do, either to stay or get back into shape. Hashing puts the fun back into running. It takes us to places we've never been before; parks, mountains, the country. It puts us into situations where we socialize. In other words, it's the best damn fun you can have with your clothes on. Also, the health aspects can't be overlooked. The stress relief is phenomenal. Running is one of the very best aerobic exercises and we swear by it (or is it the beer that we swear by?).

IMPORTANT FIRST TIMER INFORMATION

 What to Wear -- the Fashionable Hasher

Dress is scruffy running gear (running shoes - the older the better; shorts, T-shirt). Long socks are good, as are gloves. Longish shorts and regular T-shirts are the norm. We're not as anti-road race as other hashes because a number of our members actually do road race regularly - sometimes on the same day as a hash (and show up in their race clothes from that morning!). Also, don't wear anything you would like to keep clean or have remain in one piece...

Starting -- The Box

After everyone has gathered at the start location of the run, "Box" is formed. Stand in it.  The Religious Advisor (RA) blesses the hares and sends them on their way.  There is a "Chalk Talk" where virgins and newbie’s are told about marks used on the trail, and other necessary information that may be needed during the run.

And you're OFF -- The Hash Run

After the circle up, you will be pointed in the general direction of the trail start and will then be on your own (actually you will surrounded by other hashers, but the difference is negligible). You will be looking for the marks as described by the hare(s) during the "chalk talk". Usually, finding three marks in a row is an indication of being on the "true trail."

If you are lost, out looking for trail, and hear "On-ON" it is traditional to start running in the direction of the call and not continue to look for trail, where the trail is not. Following the call of "On-ON!"" will also indicate that you are not a complete numbnut.  Now, the diligent student will ask, "How do I know I am lost?"  Well, Grasshopper, if you are running for some time, and have not seen any marks of any kind, you are LOST. Turn around, and go back to the last mark and start looking again. You will come across the markings that were previously described during the chalk talk. This means two things: 1) you are absolutely on trail (there is no such thing as a false check), and 2) you are likely to go off trail at this point.  From a check, the true trail can go in any direction. Go find it. There are many false trails to hamper your progress. There may be no marks at all in the false trail you are running on. Advice: do NOT follow false trails (or LaDrone).

While on trail, you may hear " RU?", as in: "Are you?", as in "Are you on true trail?" (or sometimes, just simply "Where the f*ck are ya?). You have several possible responses. If you ARE on true trail, you would respond, "On-ON!".  If you are looking for true trail, you would respond either "Looking!" or "Checking!" In all other cases, you would respond, "I am an FNG and I have no f*cking' idea what I am doing!"

FINDING THE TRAIL

On the run, you will be   following a "trail" that is usually marked in flour or chalk.  The trail hash intersections called  "checks" where there are several directions one may be able to go.  The "true trail" will co-exist with many false trails at that point.  Your job, as the intrepid hasher, will be to find the true trail set by the hare(s) and, if possible, avoid getting lost.  You will follow the true trail until you ultimately arrive at the trail end location, which is where refreshments are provided.  Hash runs are designed to last 1 - 1½ hours.

At the end of the trail, the running takes a back seat to socializing.   The Hare gets abused, Hashers with Hash-crimes from the trail get abused, beer (soda and water) gets consumed and songs are sung.

A Cherished Moment -- The Beer Check!

Somewhere between the start of the run and the end of the run, there will be a very special check...the "Beer Check."  Some runs have more than one beer check, though typically there is just one.  News that there is more than one beer check is a good indicator that the hares are about to send you on a death march.

At the beer check, beverages, including beer (gasp!), water, and soda will be provided. Beer checks help to keep the group together, as the slower runners and walkers can then catch up with the faster runners. After this short break, the group resumes and runs (or walks) the rest of the trail.

Ah Yes, the On-Home

Once everyone arrives at the end of the trail, they have reached the location of the "On-Home" This is usually at one of the recreation areas. At the "On-Home", the group forms a circle where the "Tyrant" and "RA (Religious Advisor)" leads the group.

Complaints or complements on the run are shared, virgins are welcomed, and funny experiences that occurred during the run are shared. Group members are often "punished" for trail crimes, such as not following trail, losing trail, showing up late, etc etc. Punishment involves taking a "down-down" of beer (or other options for the non-drinkers).  Often, a variety of hash songs are sung.  A good number of hash songs are derivatives or rugby/military songs and have a certain lyrical flair to them that makes them inappropriate for children and sensitive adults. After the songs are sung and down-downs are finished, the circle breaks, and the group of hashers begin eating, drinking, and socializing.

NOTE: The material contained herein is considered questionable and unreliable at best. The author's lack of moral integrity and sense of common decency precludes an accurate portrayal of the sport of Hashing.

Still want more Info? Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions Collected From New Hashers
 (Format and Questions stolen from Phoenix AZ Hash House Harriers - WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION, OF COURSE!)

(Q)How do I join the Hash?
(A) Just show up to one of the runs. On your first run, you will be a FNG (or virgin) but can consider yourself a hasher from that point on. Remember, it only takes half a mind to hash.

(Q) If I attend a hash, do I have any obligation to show up regularly or pay dues?
(A) With SH3, the $10 you pay at the beginning of each run. This is the only money we ask you to pay. We have people who show up once a week and we have people who show up once every few months (or less). If you had a good time, come back. If you decide that hashing is not for you, just stop showing up.

(Q) What exactly is a "Hash Name"?
(A) A "Hash Name" is the name that hashers go by during hash events. Every hash member receives a hash name by the other hashers during religion, usually for doing something REALLY stupid. Usually this name has some connection with a personal embarrassing event, or has sexual implications. In any case, it is usually a name that you don't refer to in public, sign a letter to your mom with, or put on your resume.  The more embarrassed or dissatisfied you are with your hash name, the more likely the hashers will keep it. Your Hash name will usually not be changed (unless something REALLY REALLY stupid is done later) or revoked, no matter how disgusted you are with it.

(Q) So what's the deal with the term "Hash"?
(A) Okay, here's the story: The Hash House Harriers phenomenon began in 1938 with an Englishman named Albert Stephen Gispert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He gathered together a group of British expatriates to play a variation of a game known as the "paper chase" or "Hares and Hounds", an English schoolboy's game. The group got its name from their hangout, The Selangor Club, which was commonly called the "Hash House" due to its barely edible food.

(Q) I'm oversensitive and easily offended. Is hashing right for me?
(A) No. You should find a different hobby (suing people, tree hugging, protesting, etc.)

(Q) What kind of people attend the Hash?
(A) People from all walks of life. You'll find hard-core runners, non-competitive runners, walkers, and those that just like to get out and get a little exercise. In all cases, they are people that enjoy a good laugh, and can have some fun socializing while still getting some exercise (hah!).

 (Q) Can I participate in a Hash event without being forced to drink alcohol?
(A) Absolutely. Although a healthy tolerance for people who drink is desirable, the point of hashing is to have fun and have some adventure. There are other options....

(Q) I want to be a hare. What do I do?
(A) First, attend a few runs so that you get the idea of what hashing is about. After that, see our Hare Raiser, who is usually looking for people to set runs. You will probably want to have a co-hare to help out and show you the ropes.