PH3 FAQ

Here are some questions and answers about the Phuket Hash House Harriers that you may find useful.

Although it is popular to echo "NO RULES" in the Hash it worth recognizing that there are many, many traditions needing attention and they are not necessarily clear. Sometimes traditions may surface after long periods of absence, often recalled at a circle by a senior member assisted by beer. Each Hash has their traditions to discover, including PH3.

I've never been to a hash. What's it all about?

Hashing basically involves a group of like minded people getting together and having fun. It's often described as 'A drinking club with a running problem' but that doesn't really help if you've never been to one.

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Basically one member of the group (the Hare) will set a trail (in Phuket we use shredded paper) along paths through the forest. The rest of us (the Pack) then have the challenge of following the trail - sometimes this leads back to the start point (an A to A run) and someties it heads off to a different end point (an A to B run). Saturday Hashes are always A to A runs.

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You do not need to be super fit to hash. We have regular hashers in their eighties!

The Hare usually tries to set a trail that takes the Pack about 45 minutes to 1 hour to follow. There is a running trail, and for the less fit, a walking trail.

After the run, we congregate for the social aspect of hashing, this revolves around what we call 'the Circle'. There is usually quite a lot of beer involved at this point for those so minded. The circle is under the control of a master of ceremonies (the GM or Grand Master). The circle is usually funny, bawdy and definitely not politically correct.

Amongst other things in the Circle we will welcome visitors, virgins (first time Hashers), Hashers visiting from other groups around the world, returning Hash members etc. The circle will also include a large element of ad-libbed piss taking and so appeals to those who enjoy the spontaneous. This lasts about an hour. If it's a Saturday we then all pack up and go home. At the monthly hashes we all go off for a meal together at this point.

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What do I need to bring?

Running shoes - you will be running in the jungle, not on roads. A towel and a bottle of water for washing with. A change of clothing (tee-shirt & shorts). Mosquito repellant. Money. A sense of humour.

You will need to take a bottle of drinking water out on the run/walk with you. You can buy water and other drinks right on site.

Things to leave at home: Posh clothes and political correctness.

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Where is it going to be?

Every hash is at a different place on the island. Directions to the next runs are here.

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When is it going to be?

For the weekly (Phuket) hash, it is every Saturday afternoon. Usually with a 4 PM start so aim to get there about 3:30 PM. We sometimes switch to "Hash Light Savings Time" during winter and shift everything earlier by 30 minutes. There are also monthly hashes held at different times throughout the month. For details of these click here..

What does it cost?

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On the Saturday hash we charge 100B for virgins (first timer Hashers), 100B for non members and 80B for members - you automatically become a member on your sixth run. That allows you to take part in the run/walk and join in to our circle. Kids are 20B and dogs are free More about kids. Surprisingly enough, your 100B does not cover your beer and food!"

The monthly hashes each have their own cost structure, get more details.

What about drinks and food?

We have a beer truck that sells various beers for 60B / bottle. They also sell water (10B) and gatorade (35B). There is a food stall that sells pies and various Thai snacks. If you want to bring your own then go ahead.

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How do I get there?

PH3 no longer offers a bus for Saturday runs. We are developing local Ride Sharing so please visit the RIDE SHARING link at the top of each page.

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Monthly hashes: For the Tinmen, Kamala Koma and Iron Pussy the bus fare is included in the run fee. The bus does not run for the Pooying

Driving Alternatively you can drive. Directions are here. Once you get near to the site, follow our hash signs in.

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If you're lucky you may be able to get a lift. Send us an email and ask.

When does it finish?

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The Saturday 'circle' finishes at around 6:30. If you are on the bus it normally leaves 10 minutes after the circle closes so you will be back in Patong/Kamala probably between 7:30 and 8:00. The monthly hashes have their own timetable.

What if it's raining?

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We run regardless of the weather. We NEVER cancel hash runs.

How do I let you know that I am coming?

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You don't have to. Just turn up and ask for 'Registration', they're usually sat under a large umbrella.

Can I bring my kids?

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If you like, some do. Be warned though that there will be strong language and any new words they learn are at your own risk and are for you, and you alone to explain. We do not modify our language in the circle for children.

You cannot bring children to any of the monthly hashes except for the Pooying.

Can I bring my dog?

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If you like but you must keep it under control. Dogs are not allowed on the bus.

You cannot bring dogs to any of the monthly hashes except for the Pooying.

Will there be swearing?

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YES

I don't drink alcohol

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No problem. No-one is ever forced to drink alcohol against their wishes. We have regular hashers who are teetotal.

I don't know if I'm fit enough.

We cater for a variety of fitness levels. You can attempt the run - about 6 to 7km, or the walk - about 3 to 4km. Both are expected to take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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If you are not up to the walk then you can set out and turn back when you feel like it. We do have some hashers who never set out at all!

If you are in any doubt about your ability to do the run, then start with the walk and work up from there.

What's with all the strange names?

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One of the traditions of the Hash is that people are referred to by their Hash name rather than by their real name.
If you become a regular hasher we will give you a Hash name at some point. No you can't choose your own.

Will you give me a rude name?

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If you ask for one - some do! You are very unlikely to get a name on your first hash though. We very rarely give people a hash name until they have done at least 5 runs with us - unless they do something very stupid!

I want to buy a tee-shirt & We think you should wear one!!

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We sell them at the Hash every Saturday, ask someone to point out "Impedimenta" and they'll sort you out on what's available and what fits. We recommend everyone wear a hash shirt at the circle. It's best to be safe in case you're called into the circle and have to make a decision when some of the more HHH-oriented hashers start yelling "Hash Shirt or No Shirt".
Some of the monthly hashes also sell shirts just contact the relevant GM and ask.

Is there an on-on?

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Not officially. As we come from all over the island, we tend to go our own ways after the circle closes (or more correctly, after the beer truck goes).

If you're on the bus then you may find some hashers stay on for a drink in Patong (at the Expat Hotel) and in Kamala (at Baan Rim Klong)

I want to go to one of the monthly hashes
but I don't know which one.

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They are all different. All include a meal - unlike the Saturday hash. If you're planning to bring kids and/or dogs then the Pooying is the only option. You do not have to be a Saturday hasher to go to any of the monthly hashes

Tinmen This is a men only hash. The full run can be longer than on a Saturday but there is always a short trail for walkers - so fitness shouldn't be an issue.

Iron Pussy Ladies only. About 50/50 Thai / Farang. Difficulty is about equivalent to the Saturday walking trail.

Pooying A picnic hash. Will involve a barbecue/picnic at the run site. Kids and dogs admitted. Difficulty is about equivalent to the Saturday walking trail.

Kamala Koma Unique on Phuket in that beer is included in the price. Difficulty about the same as a Saturday run/walk.

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Maraud Long trail and lots of beer. Experienced hashers only - try the others first.

Bike Hash What it says: hashing on bikes.

Click on the links for more details on each of the monthly hashes.

Do you do anything for charity?

School Donation

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We help to Sponsor the Baan Tharn Namchai orphanage in Takua Pa, Phang Nga province. Our most recent donation was B54,000 to sponsor a student through college for 3 years. More information can be found here.

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PH3 donation to the Tessaban One School as a small thank-you for use of their school and cafeteria on June 11 2016 for our 30-Year Anniversary event. The headmaster, kitchen staff and children all give PH3 a warm hello and invitation to come back again.

PHHH Support For The Third Tailor-Made Scooter 2016
Soi Bangla, Patong

Wheelchair Support 2016 Wheelchair Support 2016 Wheelchair Support 2016 Wheelchair Support 2016
Wheelchair Support 2016

This time it is for Khun Pom that Aussies unite with the Thai community in Bangla Road to support the Third Disabled Person, Khun Pom, with a tailor-made scooter. Mr. Westcott "Westie" a Kiwi, developed the idea to help the disabled street vendors in Bangla Road in Patong with obtaining personal transport! Pride Mobility Products in Australia, which manufactures mobility scooters and modifies them for different disabilities, provides these scooter for free.

However, shipping, taxes and maintenance is where Westie builds the necessary support of about 110,000 THB per chair. One Battery that lasts about 18 months costs 27,000 THB.

Special mention is for Don's BBQ who helps with the free BBQ in front of the Kangaroo Bar during the presentation.

Thanks again to all Hashers for you can be sure that this is a life-changing gift for all of three of scooter recipients!

What's the AGPU?

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GRAND MASTER: OUT GRAND MASTER: IN

The AGPU is our Annual General Piss-Up. It's traditionally held on the last Thursday of July, and it's where we choose our new Grand Master and Committee for the upcoming year.

Attendance at the AGPU is limited to Phuket Hash members only. If you've got enough AGPU points then you get to go to the AGPU for free. If you haven't been to enough runs then you may be asked to pay for your AGPU ticket.

What are the Hash Special Events like a Ball or Gala Awards?

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At times we have held a Hash Ball or Gala Awards evening as a special PH3 event providing another great way to get to know other hashers outside the circle environment.

What do you mean 'volunteering'?

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Each year about 80 or so Phuket Hash members turn out to assist with marshalling the cycling legs of the Laguna Triathlon and Iron Man. The Phuket hash gets paid for this by the event organisers. The money goes toward sponsoring events throughout the year. Getting involved is a great way to meet other hashers.

What are 'AGPU Points'?

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Every time to register for a Phuket Hash run you get 1 AGPU Point. Every hare gets an additional point. We tally your points since the last AGPU to find out whether you will qualify for free access to the next AGPU. Nominally 12 AGPU points in the year (that's one run a month) will get you discounts.

Why do we do this? We have a recurring problem whenever we host an event which includes freebies. Suddenly people we haven't seen for years show up expecting free food, drink and tee-shirts. The idea of having AGPU Points is to suggest politely to these people that THEY HAVE TO PAY THEIR WAY!

I'm still confused

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You're not alone. Some of our long-standing hashers are still confused, and probably better off for it.
So come along and get confused with the rest of us...
On On!

How do I become a hare?

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In PH3 Haring is a privilege earned.

Ask any experienced Hare what it takes to become a quality Hare and the answer will come back: EXPERIENCE! There is no easy or fast substitute for gaining experience. Good Haring comes from having everything in order necessary for a "good run". Knowing what's necessary comes from experience.

So how do I get Haring Experience? Step up and ask a Hare to take you along to help introduce you to what they think helps to make a good run. If you don't know a hare to ask, speak with our Run Masters and ask for an introduction. By getting out Haring with different experienced Hares you will learn that they consider the most important points, issues and concerns. And they're all mostly right. Poling Hares for the content you're reading here generated about 15 pages of personal comments from Hares, which when shared between them produced a lot of contrary opinion. However, that being said, there is a bit of commonality amongst their adivce.

FIRST: SAFETY Topmost in importance is your Personal Safety as a hare. This means proper gear for the jungle, proper notifications for how to be located, working trails with a second person, carrying extra water & probably 17 other worthwhile points. Every Hare has a set of their personal recommendations that can help you to build your personal list of recommendations. Hares learn from other Hares. Hares study each other; study them.

SECOND: LAND USE PERMISSION Hares must have credible permission to use the local land for laying trails and for laager sites. It is not always clear understanding what is permission and what seems like permission, but isn't. PH3 has Public Relations team to help clear land arrangements and understanding.

What doesn't work? Ask any of the Virgin Hares (VH) what some of their biggest surprises were. Ask any of the old-timers what were some of their biggest lessons learned the hard way, then standby for some amazing stories!

What does work? Pleasing laager sites, workable parking, fun trails with sensible & clear paper laying, hazard-free trails.

How long will it take to be a quality Hare? Often years of co-haring is sensible before becoming a lead Hare and it starts with Haring a first time. Experience, experience, experience! Try it, you might like it.

This is something you can show a Thai person on the land you want to cross.

สวัสดี.. ผมเป็นสมาชิกของสโมสร Phuket Running Club มีสมาชิกเป็นฝรั่งหลายคนและมีสมาชิกคนไทยด้วย พวกเราเริ่มวิ่งตั้งแต่เวลา 16.00 - 17.30 น. ทุกวันเสาร์ (จะเปลี่ยนสถานที่เรื่อยๆ) และตอนนี้กำลังมองหาพื้นที่ ใหม่ในการวิ่ง และมีสมาชิกมาเดินโปรยกระดาษเล็กๆ เพื่อสมาชิกในกลุ่มสามารถวิ่งตามกระดาษ และกระดาษ จะแบ่งเป็นเล็กๆ สลายไปอย่างรวดเร็ว ไม่เสียหายอะไร หากคุณอนุญาติเราสามารถทำการวิ่งเป็นกลุ่มบริเวณนี้ (มีหมายเลขโทรศัพท์ของคุณเพื่อให้สมาชิกคนไทย สามารถพูดคุยกับคุณได้) ขอขอบคุณ

(translation) I am a member of the Phuket Running Club with many farang and Thai members. We run 4pm to 5.30pm every Saturday in a different location each week. A member drops paper to set a course and the group follow the paper. The paper breaks down very quickly. We are always looking for new areas to run. We respect your land and do not damage anything. Can we run across this land? Can I have your phone number so a Thai member can talk with you to explain what we do? Thank you.

If you copy/paste this text into a file or email you can print a copy for your wallet, quite handy for anyone to carry.