What is this, exactly?
A hash is a non-competitive run (or walk) that follows a trail of flour or chalk marks laid by one or more hares. The pack — the hounds — tries to find the trail, which is full of false trails, checks and dead ends designed to keep the fast people from getting too far ahead. Along the way there may be a beer check. At the end there's always a circle: a raucous celebration with songs, "accusations," and down-downs.
It's been going on since the 1930s, there are hundreds of kennels around the world, and SCH4 has been doing it in Cincinnati for well over a thousand hashes.
How it works on the day
- Show up at the start on time. Location and time are on the Hashes page and the event itself.
- Chalk talk. The hares explain the trail marks. Listen — this is the only instruction you'll get.
- Hares away. The hares get a head start, then the pack follows.
- Follow the trail. Shout "On-On!" when you're on trail, "Checking!" when you're looking, "Are you?" to ask someone if they've found it.
- The circle. Back at the end, the pack gathers for the circle. First-timers ("virgins") get introduced — it's tradition, it's harmless, play along.
- On-after. Food and drinks somewhere nearby. Come hang out.
What to bring
- Shoes you don't care about. You will hit mud, creeks and briars.
- Clothes for the weather — and a dry change for after.
- A few bucks of hash cash (check the event for the amount).
- ID if you plan to drink, and a ride plan if you do.
- Water for longer or hotter trails.
- A mug or vessel if you have one — hashers don't love disposable cups.
The shiggy scale
Most events rate how messy the trail will be. Shiggy is the mud, creeks, thorns and general nastiness the hares drag you through.
| Rating | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mostly pavement. Your shoes will survive. |
| 2 | Some trail, some dirt. |
| 3 | Mostly off-road. You will get wet, maybe scratched. |
| 4–5 | Bring a change of clothes. Bring two. |
The fine print
- It's not a race. Saying the word "race" is a crime punishable at circle.
- Walkers welcome. Many trails have a shorter walker option — ask at chalk talk.
- Beer is optional. There's always water and soda.
- Adult humor ahead. Hash names and songs are famously crude. If that's not your thing, hashing might not be either.
- Hash names come after you've hashed a few times. You don't get to pick it.
Ready?
Check the next hash, add our calendar, and just show up. No sign-up needed. If you have questions, contact us or ask on Facebook.