
If you have never hashed before and are interested in what this so-called “drinking club with a running problem” is - please read this first!
Welcome! Don't be afraid!
Welcome to the Okinawa Hash House Harriers (OH3), where the thrilling world of hashing awaits! Hashing is a unique sport combining running, walking, orienteering, and a passion for beer. As part of our worldwide social drinking and running club, you'll embark on exciting trails laid by a "hare" through diverse terrains, from city streets to jungle paths and even sewers or rivers. Each trail, typically 2-5 miles long, is a mystery—part of the fun is navigating the route as marked by the hare and ultimately discovering the ice-cold beer waiting for you at the end. If you have any specific restrictions, like not being able to swim, let your sponsor know. If you don't have a sponsor, no worries—we'll assign one to help you get started. Welcome to the adventure!
Who Should hash?
Any adult who enjoys mature camaraderie, humor, and beverages. But don’t worry, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. If you’re up for a fun and lively crowd, you’re in the right place. Just remember, by joining in, you're responsible for your own antics. If words like dick or bitch or tit or wanker upset you, the hash probably isn’t the group for you. We are childish and sophomoric.
What type of people will I meet?
Get ready to meet a mix of friendly, entertaining, and delightfully quirky people. All are welcome, regardless of gender, sexuality, background, or identity.
Do I have to run (*un)?
NO!! Our kennel has runners and walkers. All fitness levels are welcome.
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If you are a fast runner, congratulations! You get to solve the checks for everyone!
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If you are a slow runner, congratulations! You will be working smarter, not harder!
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If you are a walker/hiker, you will be in good company!
You should have a fitness level where you are able to walk/hike up hills for a couple miles.
When do you hash?
We hash every Saturday at 1300 or Tuesday at 1900 for Poofter Trail. Every once in a while, the time will change, but this will be indicated on the event page. We also have special trails throughout the year that will be on a Friday or Sunday. These are our family trails, full moon, typhoon, and song practices.
What does it cost?
Your first trail is free. Subsequent trails cost $10.00 or ¥1500. If you are a local Okinawan (permanent residency and work in the economy), please ask us about our local discount. This money goes towards keeping our beer van running and stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks at every trail.
What to do before trail?
Before joining a hash run event, please make note of the trail description provided by the Hare of that day’s event. In the event description, you will find the following information:
HARES: Who is haring that day's trail.
DOG-FRIENDLY: If you can bring your well-behaved furry child
HEIGHTS: Yes/No
SWIMMING: Yes/No
SHIGGY RATING: 1-5
Level 1: In-town trail over streets, sidewalks, stairs, city parks, etc.
Level 2: Urban, with some off-road, but no significant mud or water.
Level 3: Some ready-made paths, but may include some tromping through the jungle, and maybe some splashing through shallow water or mud. May want to consider high socks or pants for thorny bushes
Level 4: Mostly jungle and/or water crossings that could be as high as an average person’s waist. Water can range from crystal clear to murky black water, shoe-sucking, and knee-high mud. Could include crawling through dense or thorny underbrush and obstacles such as fences, walls, mud, muck and possible hazards such as oyster shells and trash. Recommend high socks or pants for protection
Level 5: Anything goes. This could include dense underbrush, briars/thorns, obstacles, soul-sucking thigh-high mud, and water, possibly above one’s head. In Level-5 Shiggy, you should always have a trail buddy with you.
Location: 26.364251, 127.738241 (example only, this changes weekly)
Read and consent to our Liability Waiver and Disclaimer, Conduct Guidelines and Photo Consent.
What to bring with me?
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Your "Holy Relic" 🍌 (1st trail only, more on this below)
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Camp chair if you don’t want to stand or sit on the ground during circle
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Wear shoes that you don’t care if they get wet and muddy
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Dry clothes for afterward and possibly a towel
Do I have to drink?
NO! Many of our hashers do not drink during trail. If you do want to drink, make sure you have a plan to get home safely.
Are there rules I must follow?
There are no rules only Traditions.
Our Traditions
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We do not have rules (*ules), only traditions.
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Don't say the four "R" words: run, rank, race, or rule. Acceptable alternatives are un, ank, ace, ule.
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First-time attendees are called "trail virgins."
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Hashers have trail names. Do not use real-world "nerd names" at the Hash. Your name on trail will be Jane or John (your choice) until the group has named you. You can earn your name by attending 6 trails, haring once, and finally, ceremoniously telling two stories from your life (that must be at least 10% true) when called upon.
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Your sponsor should take care of you. Stick with them, and feel free to ask them to explain anything you have questions about.
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The punishment for most violations of Hash traditions is a Down-Down. A Down-Down is chugging a beverage (provided) during circle. It's always your choice whether it's alcoholic or not.
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If this is your first trail, protect the banana your sponsor gives you. It is a holy relic.
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Don't use your finger to point; either use your elbow (as to bring drink to your lips) or your fist (because who doesn't love a good fisting).
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No TECH on trail. Be present.
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Only the designated hashflash for trail is allowed to take pics.
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Do not open, sit on, or otherwise touch the orange cooler. This is "The Holy" and it is sacred.
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Beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are provided. Drink only your fair share.
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Have a plan for getting home if you plan to drink on trail. Never drink and drive.
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We do a lot of silly nonsense before, after, and during trail, but consent is vital. You never have to do anything you're uncomfortable with, nor should you make others uncomfortable. Nudity is never consent. Some examples of common trail activities include:
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Singing bawdy songs
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Consensually mooning and flashing each other in accordance with trail markings. Be aware that others around you will participate even if you choose not to
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What happens at trail stays at trail. Protect the privacy of your fellow hashers at non-hash locations, especially the workplace.
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We give each other a lot of shit, all in good fun; give it right back. Speak up if you're ever genuinely uncomfortable.
What to do when you arrive at start?
If you did not arrive with your sponsor. Look for a group of people crowding around a van most likely wearing similar clothing. Please introduce yourself to the crowd, remember we do not use nerd names aka given names. Your name until you are named is John or Jane, choose whatever one works for you. First-time visitors to the Hash are affectionately referred to as “Virgins.” As it lets the rest of the members of the group (aka pack) know we have someone brand new to the group and to help make their first hash run with us enjoyable and unforgettable. After everyone gets check-in we will begin opening circle. Don't worry, it will all start making sense and someone will always be happy to help you and explain things to you. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.
Ready to join the debauchery?