Welcome Newbies
If you are new to Key West or new to the the world of Hashing, this is the page for you. Please consider joining us for a run, we would love to meet you, and you WILL have fun in addition to many other benefits.
Who are the Key West Hash House Harriers?
We are a group of people who gather every other Saturday night, mostly a bunch of professionals who enjoy letting our hair down (ok, maybe even a little “frat” mentality), running, and drinking beer. We are a wide variety of age and running ability, from very fast to walkers and everything in between. This is an international organization, you can find hashes in countless cities around the world. While there is no direct connection between them, they all have very similar formats, and in fact, you’d be welcomed in any hash you attend (some hashes are single sex only, however).
What is hashing?
It is an international “running game” whereby the pack (that’s you) tries to solve the trail by interpreting marks put down in chalk and flour by the “hares” – those who set the trail. There are a few more details that we will teach you when you arrive.
When does the hash run?
Every other Saturday night, rain or shine, starting in the evening p.m.
What is the general format each trail?
Where is it?
It starts in a different place every week (choice of the hares), that’s the beauty of it!. It is a fantastic way to get to know the nooks and crannies of the island. We have probably run on every street, every trail, and in every alleyway at one time or another. We’ll take you to the narrowest alleys and the oddest bars with incredible sunset views of this beautiful paradise. Each week’s start is posted to this website and usually an email is sent out to the hash email list.
How long are the runs?
80% of the runs are in the 2 – 4 mile range. Some will go to 7ish, and often there is a “turkey/eagle” split, which provides shorter vs. longer options.
What should I bring?
How much does it cost?
As a newbie (or as we say: an FNG), your first hash should be paid for by whoever brings you. After that, it is $10 per run. For your $10, in addition to the run, you also get multiple trips to cooler of GOOD beer, and whatever other beverages, shots, or food the hares decide to provide.
What about my stuff?
If you do not drive and have a bag of stuff (hopefully you brought clothes for after the run), you will be able to put your stuff in a locked car or van. Make sure to show up on time if you need to stow your stuff.
Is there any kind of formal membership?
There is no membership, and everyone who works on organizing the hashes as well as the “big events”, are purely volunteers. Your weekly money goes towards beer, food, water, snacks, etc., and some extras now and then.
What about other “real” food?
Each week after all the festivities we go to a local establishment for food, more beer, etc. Occasionally, the hares provide snacks and food on the run as well.
What are hash names all about?
If you stick around long enough, you will receive your own special hash name, usually related to something you do or say. Until then, you are known as Just “insert your first name here”.
Read more about hashing:
Wikipedia
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to email the GM, with any additional questions. We’re looking forward to meeting you
Haring Guidelines for the Key West Hash House Harriers
General Guidelines
Although there are no formal rules in Hashing, Haring has some guidelines that should be adhered to.
USE COMMON SENSE!
VIRGIN HARES must lay with experienced Hares, never with other Virgins or alone.
Pre Run: The hares are responsible for the providing the following: Down-down beer, flour and chalk for trail, and light snacks for the end of the run. (See below for reimbursement) If there is any left over down-down beer, it will be used for the following week’s hash. Most of the marks are made with chalk, but for areas where chalk cannot be used, then toilet paper is used. If laying in an area where we recently hashed, use a different color chalk. Never use dark colored chalk (blue, purple, green) for night-time trails.
Hares run for free: One of the benefits to laying trail is that the hares (up to two) do not have to pay the run fee. Exceptions to this guideline can be addressed on a case-by- case basis.
Run start: The start should allow sufficient, safe parking without tickets, towing, etc. Be sure the expected crowd can be accommodated at the start area. Don't put us out in the middle of a busy street in a parking lot where car break-ins are rampant or in an expensive parking lot where you have to pay $20 to park.
Bag-Van: If your trail is an A à B run, please make arrangements to have a bag van. It is important that this vehicle be at the end of the run with the bags when the majority of the pack finishes. Two (2) hares get to run for free so you can always use one of them strictly for the B-Van. Also keep in mind that you need to appoint someone to lock the bag van when the pack leaves.
The Run: A trail should take the slowest member of the pack about an hour and 15 minutes to complete. If you plan a trail that is longer than four miles, there should be a Turkey/Eagle split. Not everyone should be forced to run a marathon.
Hares should respect all private property signs and not subject the pack to angry homeowners or the law.
Use plenty of chalk for your trail. Make your checks challenging and mark your trail well. Nothing pisses off the pack more than having to search for every mark. Chalk marks (or toilet paper) should be made at least every 25 yards except after a check or whichaway, in which case the first mark must be no more than 100 meters and, of course can be much closer, especially if it is a small pack.
Hare arrows should be used when making right angle turns. (See below for markings used at a the hash) If in an area where marks cannot be seen (in the woods or through a field), toilet paper is a good substitute.
Beer Checks: Whenever possible, a beer check should be used to break up the longer runs. Water and beer should be provided for the pack. (The purpose of the beer check is to bring the pack together and quench their thirst… Not to get everyone tanked.) If possible, a beer check should be held at someone’s house or out of someone’s trunk. In some cases, it may be appropriate to have a beer check in a local bar. (See below for reimbursement) Be sure to let the person working the bar know that a large group of smelly runners are coming in for beer.
ON IN: The Hares should make every effort to have the ON IN in an area where beer is legal to consume or out of the eyes of the law and where the hash can congregate without interference. Don't put us in an illegal area where the Police are going to rush us out of or pass out tickets.
If the ON IN is too far from the start, the Hares need to make arrangements to get the pack back to the start.
Light is necessary to conduct down-downs for evening runs and may have to be provided by flashlights, etc. Please inform the GM a day prior so he/she can make arrangements.
LOST HASHERS: Hares are responsible for finding any Hashers still out on the trail by the time the ON IN is over. This is good incentive to lay a well-marked trail!!! The search party starts with the hares.
On Afters: They can be held at someone’s house, a bar/restaurant or area where it is legal to drink and congregate. The hares are NOT responsible for providing beer or food for this event. If On Afters are held at a bar/restaurant, the hares should try and find a place that has drink and food specials and also inform the establishment that a large group of smelly, loud, obnoxious people are coming to hang out. Maps are always helpful, even if done in chalk after the circle breaks up.
REIMBURSEMENT
The hash charges $5-10 per person. The hare will be reimbursed based upon receipts for the beverages the hare bought up to 90% of the hash cash collected. The other 10% of the money will be used to defer the cost of other hashing events, maintaining the website, funding haberdash, etc.
Don't expect to be reimbursed if you spend more than the budget without first checking. The hares will be reimbursed for the following:
Ø Up to three cases of cheap beer for down-downs. (MGD, Old Milwaukee’s Best light…)
Ø A twelve pack for Pre-lube beer (Cheap beer works best)
Ø Bottled water. (can purchase a flat at Costco for under $5)
Ø Ice for coolers (10# per cooler)
Ø Chalk
Ø Munchies: Typically a couple of bags of chips, Red vines, pretzels and other small things that can be shoved into one’s mouth.
Ø If you feel the need to make chili, burgers or cook some pizza, the hash will reimburse up to the amount of cash that was collected minus the 10%. Please inform GM about plans prior to run. There may be certain situations where not enough people attend the hash to cover the cost of your home cooked feast. We apologize in advance. To avoid this from happening we encourage you to promote your run and drag out as many people as you can.
Ø At a beer check: pitchers of beer are generally less expensive.
Hashcash will reimburse you after your Hash.
The budget is determined from the standard run fee of $5-10.00. If you need more cash, you can make arrangements for a higher run fee. This is discouraged, but there are exceptions for occasional theme runs. When you volunteer to hare, notify the Hare Raiser at least 2 weeks ahead of time of your start location, the theme, or any other relevant info.
FOOD IDEAS
Pizza
Most local groceries stores have pizzas that you can take and bake. This is by far the cheapest way to go but you will need to get someone to cook the pizzas.
Most pizza joints also have specials. Check the papers a day before your run for coupons or talk to the manager of a pizza place and try to work out a special.
Sandwiches
Skunk and Boys R Us are the king and Queen of sandwiches and are the best people to ask for tips.
Munchies
Most of the local groceries stores have weekly discounts on chips and other misc. items. Shop around!. (Costco is a good place to shop)
ICE
If you give Shiggy Shaver advanced notice, he might get you ice for free.
TRAIL MARKING AND TIPS
The true trail should come out of check in a forward direction, to the right or left, (not back in the direction of the original trail).
A trail should be easy to follow when you are on trail, flour placement can be clever, but should not be hidden.
Trails should not go through private property without owners' permission.
Dangerous places, such as unstable cliffs on night runs or heavy traffic areas, should be avoided.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR IMAGES:
.
[u1]
[u1]
– The Key West Hashers
If you are new to Key West or new to the the world of Hashing, this is the page for you. Please consider joining us for a run, we would love to meet you, and you WILL have fun in addition to many other benefits.
Who are the Key West Hash House Harriers?
We are a group of people who gather every other Saturday night, mostly a bunch of professionals who enjoy letting our hair down (ok, maybe even a little “frat” mentality), running, and drinking beer. We are a wide variety of age and running ability, from very fast to walkers and everything in between. This is an international organization, you can find hashes in countless cities around the world. While there is no direct connection between them, they all have very similar formats, and in fact, you’d be welcomed in any hash you attend (some hashes are single sex only, however).
What is hashing?
It is an international “running game” whereby the pack (that’s you) tries to solve the trail by interpreting marks put down in chalk and flour by the “hares” – those who set the trail. There are a few more details that we will teach you when you arrive.
When does the hash run?
Every other Saturday night, rain or shine, starting in the evening p.m.
What is the general format each trail?
- 5:00ish: Start gathering
- 5:30ish: Hares away. The rest of the group is ready to start running. Towards end of run: Beer check (and water)
- 7:00ish: General socializing around the beer
- 7:15ish: “Religion”: Organized announcements, Frivolities, and such
- 8:30ish: head to the bar/restaurant (what we call the On-After)
Where is it?
It starts in a different place every week (choice of the hares), that’s the beauty of it!. It is a fantastic way to get to know the nooks and crannies of the island. We have probably run on every street, every trail, and in every alleyway at one time or another. We’ll take you to the narrowest alleys and the oddest bars with incredible sunset views of this beautiful paradise. Each week’s start is posted to this website and usually an email is sent out to the hash email list.
How long are the runs?
80% of the runs are in the 2 – 4 mile range. Some will go to 7ish, and often there is a “turkey/eagle” split, which provides shorter vs. longer options.
What should I bring?
- Running shoes that are NOT brand new (trust us on this one)
- Clothes to change into after the run for later, we tend to hang out outside for quite a while
- $10 fee (plus a wallet for going out on the town after the event)
- A flashlight/headlamp during the winter – we run in the dark!
- A sense of humor
How much does it cost?
As a newbie (or as we say: an FNG), your first hash should be paid for by whoever brings you. After that, it is $10 per run. For your $10, in addition to the run, you also get multiple trips to cooler of GOOD beer, and whatever other beverages, shots, or food the hares decide to provide.
What about my stuff?
If you do not drive and have a bag of stuff (hopefully you brought clothes for after the run), you will be able to put your stuff in a locked car or van. Make sure to show up on time if you need to stow your stuff.
Is there any kind of formal membership?
There is no membership, and everyone who works on organizing the hashes as well as the “big events”, are purely volunteers. Your weekly money goes towards beer, food, water, snacks, etc., and some extras now and then.
What about other “real” food?
Each week after all the festivities we go to a local establishment for food, more beer, etc. Occasionally, the hares provide snacks and food on the run as well.
What are hash names all about?
If you stick around long enough, you will receive your own special hash name, usually related to something you do or say. Until then, you are known as Just “insert your first name here”.
Read more about hashing:
Wikipedia
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to email the GM, with any additional questions. We’re looking forward to meeting you
Haring Guidelines for the Key West Hash House Harriers
General Guidelines
Although there are no formal rules in Hashing, Haring has some guidelines that should be adhered to.
USE COMMON SENSE!
VIRGIN HARES must lay with experienced Hares, never with other Virgins or alone.
Pre Run: The hares are responsible for the providing the following: Down-down beer, flour and chalk for trail, and light snacks for the end of the run. (See below for reimbursement) If there is any left over down-down beer, it will be used for the following week’s hash. Most of the marks are made with chalk, but for areas where chalk cannot be used, then toilet paper is used. If laying in an area where we recently hashed, use a different color chalk. Never use dark colored chalk (blue, purple, green) for night-time trails.
Hares run for free: One of the benefits to laying trail is that the hares (up to two) do not have to pay the run fee. Exceptions to this guideline can be addressed on a case-by- case basis.
Run start: The start should allow sufficient, safe parking without tickets, towing, etc. Be sure the expected crowd can be accommodated at the start area. Don't put us out in the middle of a busy street in a parking lot where car break-ins are rampant or in an expensive parking lot where you have to pay $20 to park.
Bag-Van: If your trail is an A à B run, please make arrangements to have a bag van. It is important that this vehicle be at the end of the run with the bags when the majority of the pack finishes. Two (2) hares get to run for free so you can always use one of them strictly for the B-Van. Also keep in mind that you need to appoint someone to lock the bag van when the pack leaves.
The Run: A trail should take the slowest member of the pack about an hour and 15 minutes to complete. If you plan a trail that is longer than four miles, there should be a Turkey/Eagle split. Not everyone should be forced to run a marathon.
Hares should respect all private property signs and not subject the pack to angry homeowners or the law.
Use plenty of chalk for your trail. Make your checks challenging and mark your trail well. Nothing pisses off the pack more than having to search for every mark. Chalk marks (or toilet paper) should be made at least every 25 yards except after a check or whichaway, in which case the first mark must be no more than 100 meters and, of course can be much closer, especially if it is a small pack.
Hare arrows should be used when making right angle turns. (See below for markings used at a the hash) If in an area where marks cannot be seen (in the woods or through a field), toilet paper is a good substitute.
Beer Checks: Whenever possible, a beer check should be used to break up the longer runs. Water and beer should be provided for the pack. (The purpose of the beer check is to bring the pack together and quench their thirst… Not to get everyone tanked.) If possible, a beer check should be held at someone’s house or out of someone’s trunk. In some cases, it may be appropriate to have a beer check in a local bar. (See below for reimbursement) Be sure to let the person working the bar know that a large group of smelly runners are coming in for beer.
ON IN: The Hares should make every effort to have the ON IN in an area where beer is legal to consume or out of the eyes of the law and where the hash can congregate without interference. Don't put us in an illegal area where the Police are going to rush us out of or pass out tickets.
If the ON IN is too far from the start, the Hares need to make arrangements to get the pack back to the start.
Light is necessary to conduct down-downs for evening runs and may have to be provided by flashlights, etc. Please inform the GM a day prior so he/she can make arrangements.
LOST HASHERS: Hares are responsible for finding any Hashers still out on the trail by the time the ON IN is over. This is good incentive to lay a well-marked trail!!! The search party starts with the hares.
On Afters: They can be held at someone’s house, a bar/restaurant or area where it is legal to drink and congregate. The hares are NOT responsible for providing beer or food for this event. If On Afters are held at a bar/restaurant, the hares should try and find a place that has drink and food specials and also inform the establishment that a large group of smelly, loud, obnoxious people are coming to hang out. Maps are always helpful, even if done in chalk after the circle breaks up.
REIMBURSEMENT
The hash charges $5-10 per person. The hare will be reimbursed based upon receipts for the beverages the hare bought up to 90% of the hash cash collected. The other 10% of the money will be used to defer the cost of other hashing events, maintaining the website, funding haberdash, etc.
Don't expect to be reimbursed if you spend more than the budget without first checking. The hares will be reimbursed for the following:
Ø Up to three cases of cheap beer for down-downs. (MGD, Old Milwaukee’s Best light…)
Ø A twelve pack for Pre-lube beer (Cheap beer works best)
Ø Bottled water. (can purchase a flat at Costco for under $5)
Ø Ice for coolers (10# per cooler)
Ø Chalk
Ø Munchies: Typically a couple of bags of chips, Red vines, pretzels and other small things that can be shoved into one’s mouth.
Ø If you feel the need to make chili, burgers or cook some pizza, the hash will reimburse up to the amount of cash that was collected minus the 10%. Please inform GM about plans prior to run. There may be certain situations where not enough people attend the hash to cover the cost of your home cooked feast. We apologize in advance. To avoid this from happening we encourage you to promote your run and drag out as many people as you can.
Ø At a beer check: pitchers of beer are generally less expensive.
Hashcash will reimburse you after your Hash.
The budget is determined from the standard run fee of $5-10.00. If you need more cash, you can make arrangements for a higher run fee. This is discouraged, but there are exceptions for occasional theme runs. When you volunteer to hare, notify the Hare Raiser at least 2 weeks ahead of time of your start location, the theme, or any other relevant info.
FOOD IDEAS
Pizza
Most local groceries stores have pizzas that you can take and bake. This is by far the cheapest way to go but you will need to get someone to cook the pizzas.
Most pizza joints also have specials. Check the papers a day before your run for coupons or talk to the manager of a pizza place and try to work out a special.
Sandwiches
Skunk and Boys R Us are the king and Queen of sandwiches and are the best people to ask for tips.
Munchies
Most of the local groceries stores have weekly discounts on chips and other misc. items. Shop around!. (Costco is a good place to shop)
ICE
If you give Shiggy Shaver advanced notice, he might get you ice for free.
TRAIL MARKING AND TIPS
The true trail should come out of check in a forward direction, to the right or left, (not back in the direction of the original trail).
A trail should be easy to follow when you are on trail, flour placement can be clever, but should not be hidden.
Trails should not go through private property without owners' permission.
Dangerous places, such as unstable cliffs on night runs or heavy traffic areas, should be avoided.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR IMAGES:
.
[u1]
[u1]
– The Key West Hashers