The hash run is designed for a group of individuals (normally referred to as the "Pack" or "Hash") to follow a trail (true or false) of one or more other individuals (normally referred to as the "Hare(s)") from a start point to a finish point.

The distance varies from 5-10 km and the finishing point is usually the starting point, though not always so.

Some runs are called "Bus runs" . In this case, all runners will either start off the run and continue until some far off end point. There, there will be the welcome sight of a bus and beer to bring the pack back to the starting point (Bus Back Run). Alternatively, the runners will be bussed to a far away starting point run back to the meeting point which then becomes the end point.

Most times the run is set on the Saturday prior to the run or at a time convenient to the Hare(s).

Another form of laying the run is called the "Live Hare Run". In this variation, the hares run out in advance of the pack and set a course.

In either case, the course is marked by hash marks: splashes of white flour, paper strips, toilet paper, colored tape and/or chalk marks. In the Live Hare Run, the hares get a 15 minute head start and the pack will follow their trail and try to catch the hares. If one or more of the hares are caught, they are penalized by having to perform a "down-down."

The below expressions are examples of hash terminology used around the world. The bold and blue are commonly used by Koje-do Hash House Harriers.
Back Check / Back Track / Bad Trail
A back track is used to indicate a bad trail or false trail.
 
Beer Near
"Beer Near" must be written just before the finish notifying the pack the end is near.
 
Caught Hare
A hare is caught when a member of the pack touches him or her and says "caught hare." The hare must be marking the trail and must have either chalk or flour in his or her possession before being considered caught. A caught hare must be released immediately. Caught hare(s) are awarded a "down-down." One hare caught implies all hares are caught.
 
Check or Decision point
Sometimes known as Checkmarks/Intersections. "Decision points or checks" are chalked or printed at any location where there are two or more possible trails or paths. The decision point can have the following meanings:
  • any direction at all.
  • turn left or right only.
  • turn left, right, or go straight.
  • go straight or turn right.
  • go straight or turn left.
  • etc....
Hares may put a check or decision point at all locations where there is more than one possible direction from a single trail.
 
Down-Down
Tradition requires down-downs be conducted after each hash run a down-down of one can/bottle/mug of a 12 ounce drink. A down-down is performed for any indiscretion of the harriers of the rules of hashing. See the section on Down-Downs for more information.
 
Down-Down Act
The Hasher will follow the directions of the Hash Master or whoever is conducting the Ceremony. Once the drink leaves the Hasher's lips it is to be turned upside down and the remainder contents poured over the Hasher's head. Other Hashmen may assist the drinker to keep cool by pouring water over the Hasher's head - do not waste hash money by using beer or soft drinks. NOTE: Junior Hashmen will not assault their seniors.
 
Hash Cash
The Harrier that keeps the Hash Funds in the sock.
 
Hash Mark
A hash mark is a splash of flour, paper strips, or other marks which will not litter the area, used in marking the trail.
 
Hash Name
A Hash Name is a name every Harrier is to be addressed while on the Hash. If a Harrier uses any other name to call another Hashman, the offending Hashman will be given a down-down. This is enforced strictly during the circle.
 
Hash Note
The note that is sung by one of the Hashmen to get everyone off key for the Hash Song. Usually, "Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh".
 
Hash Shit
A Hash Shit is the judgement that is passed by the Hash after each and every run. The rules are as follows:
  1. If the run was shorter than 45 minutes, it is an automatic hash shit.
  2. If the run exceeded 1hr 30 minutes, another automatic hash shit.
  3. Hash shits are never awarded for celebration runs.
  4. Not withstanding the preceding, if the Hashmen present decide that the run is badly done, it can be declared a hash shit.
Once a run is declared a Hash Shit, the Hares will be adorned with toilet seats that shall be worn by them around their necks for all forthcoming runs until another hash run is declared a Hash Shit. At that point, they shall hand over the toilet seats to the newly crowned Hash Shit holders.
 
Hash Song
To be sung by the Hashmen loud and clear, or Down-Downs will be performed, during the Down-Down Ceremony. The song is as follows:
Ahhhh... (hold for about 10 seconds)
Here's to hash name he's so blue
He's a Bastard through and through
He's a Piss-pot so they say
He tried to go to heaven,
But he went the other way.

Drinking down, down, down ... (on and on)

After the song is sung, the Down-Down Harrier(s) must prove that the drink is finished by pouring the contents over the Harrier's head. If the Harrier is taking too long to finish the drink, the following is sung:
Why are we waiting,
Why are we waiting.
Until the Down-Down Harrier has cooperated or has been drenched by senior Hashmen.
 
Hash Whip
The Hash Whip is the custodian of good behaviour and discipline among the Hashmen. He is always on the look-out for any ill-behaviour (or even good behaviour) and will call upon the Harrier to come to the middle of the circle to get his just rewards (a Down Down almost always). The whip has only two rules for Hashmen to remember:
  1. The Whip Is Always Right.
  2. When In Doubt Refer to Rule Number 1.
Ice
The Ice is the throne upon which a Harrier is made to sit during the down-down or circle".
 
ON-ON's
On-On's are conducted after the hash run at a local restaurant/bar or whatever. The purpose is comradeship and a general BS session of the Hashmen. All Hashmen are welcome to ON-ON's.
 
Other Hash Terminology
Words indicating direction or encouragement are chalked along the rail to remind harriers that the hares are of sadistic minds and believe they will not get caught (otherwise they wouldn't waste time chalking graffiti on public thoroughfares.) Common terms: "on-on", "on-up", "on-in", "on-home", "scenic viewpoint", "Ha!Ha!" and "Beer Near."
 
Pack Arrow
A pack arrow is used by the members of the pack to indicate the direction the pack went. A pack arrow is not always true trail.
 
True Trail Arrows
True trail arrows are drawn (usually with white chalk) indicating the proper direction of the trail. They are drawn by the hares only!
 
Whistle Check
Whistle check is conducted to ensure all Hashmen have their whistles. All Hashmen are required to have whistles except first-time runners and hares.