The hash is a cross country trail set by one or two volunteers, known as the hares. The hares lay a 2-5 mile trail with biodegradable flour, chalk or other natural substances. The runners/walkers, known as the hounds (also called harriers, harrierettes, hashers), follow this trail though the woods, rivers, streets, playgrounds and sometimes messy ("shiggy") areas, in search of the end, which is where lots of beer and food awaits the tired pack. "Hashing" is the act of participating in the hash. A typical hash will cost you $5.00 - $10.00 for beer and munchies.
The group, collectively called the Hash House Harriers was founded in Kuala Lumpur in 1937. There are now chapters, called kennels, all around the world. To find out more about the history of this illustrious group, click the history link and check out some of the links.