Basically a hash consists of two main parts, none of which have anything to do with marijuana or hashish:

The Run

On a Wednesday in the afternoon one or two sometime three or four hashers, called the hare(s), lay a trail. Trail in on which the entire pack runs or walk . They mark their trail with paper shredded paper , arrows, or marks on walls and cross depending on terrain. They might pre-lay trail a day or a few hours before the hash, or they might lay the trail as "live hares," running ahead of the pack with only a short (10 minutes is typical) head start. At a given signal which, is ON ON the rest of the hash (the Harriers, Harriett's, hounds, or pack) set off in pursuit of the trail. The idea is to keep the pack somewhat together and this is achieved by setting false trails, cunning checks, and sneaky loops. The fitter front runners will often run twice as far as the more slothful members, , yet still finish the run at the same time as the rest of the pack. The length and difficulty of the run depends on the hare and the terrain but will typically be between three and five Kilometers or about 35 minutes to an hour.

The Circle

At trail's end hashers gather to drink beer and observe religious ceremonies . . . which consist of drinking more beer, this time ritualistically. Circles is led by the hash Grandmaster, the Religious Adviser, or any unwanted hasher . Traditions (and the degree of rowdiness) vary from hash to hash, but in general the Circle consists of awarding "Down-Downs" for misdemeanors real, imagined, or blatantly made up, and the recipients will most likely have been dubbed in by their fellow hashers. Visitors are always given a Visitors Down-Down as are Virgins (first-time hash runners) and anyone else who comes to the attention of the Circle. The Circle can last a couple of hours depending on the level of religious fervor of the hash. Food and snacks etc. depends on host but definitly not the beer as this is the job of hash dray to ensure proper supply of beer and other drinks like water etc.

Regardless of the style of the hash, all is in good fun and this "drinking club with a running problem" welcomes all with a sense of humor. Hashing has created a fraternity that knows no geographical bounds of hospitality. The only prerequisite to hashing is a sense of humor, as running and athletic ability usually take a back seat to the social aspects of the sport. Hashing also knows no age boundaries, with family hashes and horrors or children's hashes, as well as members from all ages in the regular hashes. The only main difference between groups is their emphasis on the sporting versus social aspects of hashing. All of the hashes end with a bit of fraternity business at the On-In or finish point. The Down-Down celebrates new runners, various landmarks in the careers of hashers, and assorted other reasons to drink beer or their favourite beverage. Most hashes also add bawdy song to the festivities and there are special event runs that may end in a feast and a party as well. Interhashes, or gatherings of several hashes for a special event, occur at frequent intervals worldwide. There are national and regional interhashes, as well as a world event simply labeled Interhash. A complete calendar of these events can be found on www.gthhh.com.

The important thing is that we are all Hashers sharing an experience like no other, and in the sharing, we are all enriched with... The Hashing Spirit.