How to Set a Hash

Although the first rule of hashing is 'there are no rules', the following guidelines will improve your chances of setting a successful hash.

1. Seek Permission

Wherever possible, inform landowners and anyone who lives near that we will be passing through. We are rarely refused if we ask but often hassled if we don't! Legally, landowner permission should be obtained to organise an event (such as a hash) on public footpaths - we have no right to be there.

Check the Sensitive Locations Map for places where we have been specifically asked not to run. Never set a trail near to these locations unless you have been granted permission by the landowner.

Be aware of livestock in fields and avoid passing through them wherever possible, especially in the dark. Avoid sheep during lambing and pheasant breeding woods in the shooting season. Instruct the hash to WALK past animals, both before the run and as they enter the field.

Check that the pub will be open and explain our running and drinking times to the landlord. Last minute changes of venue cannot be communicated to our over 100 active members.

2. Plan the route

Measure your route, don't guess, aim for 4 miles (not 5 or 6).
Choose an area with lots of criss-crossing paths, avoiding stretches of more than half a mile without a check.
Runners expect to be back in the pub no later than 8:30.
You will need at least 6kg of flour.

3. You Can't Have Too Many Checks

Set a check at every junction, not just where you change direction.
Fast runners like checks because they get to run further, slow runners like them because they get to catch up and socialise.
Plan for about 3 regroups but use more if there are places where you cannot set enough checks.
A hash can be so much more than just a guided run.

4. Be There

Having set the trail, the hare(s) need to follow with the pack to mark the route for late-comers and to make sure it all goes to plan. You can give hints when they can't find the flour, warn of road crossings and cut out the distant sunset regroup when it all takes much longer than you thought.

On On!