What to Expect at Your First Hash: A Newcomer's Guide

First time hashing? Here's everything you need to know — what to bring, what to expect on trail, circle etiquette, and how to not embarrass yourself (too much).

Before You Go

What to Bring

EssentialNice to Have
Running/walking shoes you don’t mind getting dirtyA change of clothes
Water bottleCash for hash cash (usually $5-10)
Sense of humorTowel
ID (you’ll be drinking)Headlamp for night hashes

What to Wear

  • Comfortable athletic clothes appropriate for the weather and terrain
  • Shoes with good grip — trails go through mud, streams, and rough terrain
  • Don’t wear your best gear — it will get dirty, wet, or possibly beer-soaked
  • Red dresses only if it’s a Red Dress Run (check the event description)

Arrival: The Pre-Lube

Show up at the posted start time and look for:

  • A group of people in athletic wear, often with beer in hand
  • Someone with a clipboard collecting money (the Hash Cash)
  • Signs of flour or chalk marks (trail markings)

Your first hash is free — tell them you’re a virgin (first-timer).

Introduce Yourself

Find someone who looks official and say: “I’m a virgin — this is my first hash.” They’ll:

  • Welcome you enthusiastically
  • Explain any specifics about today’s trail
  • Introduce you to other hashers
  • Probably make jokes at your expense (get used to it)

On Trail: The Hash Run

The Chalk Talk

Before the run starts, the hare explains:

  • Trail markings to follow
  • Any special instructions (road crossings, dangerous areas)
  • Approximate trail length and difficulty

Starting the Run

The hare gets a head start (usually 5-10 minutes). When the hare calls “ON-ON” or the Grand Master releases the pack:

  1. Follow the trail markings (flour, chalk, or toilet paper)
  2. Call “ON-ON” when you find trail so others know where to go
  3. Don’t worry about getting lost — someone will find you

What to Expect

  • Checks: You’ll reach circles in the trail where the direction isn’t obvious. The FRBs will scatter looking for the true trail. Wait or help search.
  • False trails: You might run down a dead end. Turn around and try another direction.
  • Beer checks: Mid-run rest stops with refreshments. Don’t drink everything — leave some for the back of the pack.
  • All paces welcome: You can run, jog, or walk. The SCBs (shortcutters) often finish at the same time as the FRBs.

Trail Etiquette

  • Stay on marked trail as much as possible (respect private property)
  • Alert others to hazards: “CHECK!” “ON-ON!” “ON-BACK!”
  • Help lost hashers: If you see someone confused, point them the right way
  • Don’t litter: Pack out what you pack in

The Circle: Post-Trail Ceremony

After everyone finishes (or most people — circles start when the majority is in), the Religious Advisor or Grand Master forms a circle.

What Happens in Circle

  1. Down-downs: People are called into the center to drink from a vessel
  2. Songs: The pack sings irreverent songs
  3. Humiliation: Good-natured abuse of various hashers for infractions

As a Virgin, You Will…

  • Be called into the center
  • Be asked to introduce yourself (name, hometown, how you heard about hashing)
  • Drink a down-down while the pack sings at you
  • Possibly have to endure jokes about your shoes, clothing, or answers

Tips for your down-down:

  • Hold the vessel with both hands
  • Don’t stop drinking until the song ends
  • Don’t wear your favorite shirt (it may get beer on it)

The On-After

After circle, many hashers go to a nearby restaurant, pub, or the hare’s home for:

  • Food (often provided by the hare)
  • More drinking
  • Socializing and storytelling
  • Planning future hashes

This is the best part. The run was just the icebreaker — now you get to know people.

Hash Etiquette for Virgins

Do:

  • Introduce yourself as a virgin immediately
  • Ask questions — hashers love explaining their weird hobby
  • Try to keep up with the pack (but don’t stress if you can’t)
  • Participate in songs, even if you don’t know the words
  • Come back — hashers are judged on their second and third runs

Don’t:

  • Complain about the trail — that’s the hare’s job, and they already know
  • Wear new, clean white shoes — you’ll be mocked
  • Take yourself too seriously — hashing is fundamentally absurd
  • Be offended — the humor is crude by design
  • Name yourself — your hash name will come after several runs

Common First-Hash Concerns

”I’m not a runner”

Neither are most hashers. Many kennels have walkers who follow the trail at their own pace. The social aspect matters more than the athletic aspect.

”I don’t drink alcohol”

Most kennels accommodate non-drinkers with water or soda for down-downs. Check with the kennel beforehand.

”Will I get lost?”

Probably not. Even if you do, hashers look out for each other. Someone will find you, or you can backtrack to the last known mark.

”Is this some kind of cult?”

Only in the best ways. Yes, there are rituals, songs, and strange traditions. No, you won’t be pressured to do anything dangerous or unethical.

After Your First Hash

If you enjoyed yourself (and most people do):

  1. Come back for your second hash
  2. Join the email list or Facebook group to get run announcements
  3. Bring a friend — virgins are always welcome
  4. Start thinking about your hash name — it’ll happen after 3-5 runs

Welcome to hashing — you’re now part of a global tradition that spans nearly 90 years and every continent on Earth. On-On!

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