Visitors

Visitors are always welcome to Thursday hash runs, we love visitors, especially first timers (virgins). Here is a list of some things to know.

Official Bangkok Thursday Hash email address: bkkth3 at gmail dot com. Members will receive occasional information emails, but no newsletter/trash, as of now. Visitors and members can use the email address to ask questions and/or offer suggestions.

Bring a torch/flashlight as runs finish after dark. Expect trails to last about one hour, longer if you walk. May until November is monsoon season in Thailand, expect rain. Bring an umbrella and a change of clothing/shoes.

Run fees are 50 baht for everyone which will pay for down down beer ONLY.

There will be a one-time membership fee of 300 baht for those interested. Hashers who join will receive occasional members-only sponsored giveaways. Sponsored shirts, hats, shorts or other giveaways will only be ordered for members. If members do not attend a run, they do not get the giveaway and it becomes part of haberdash.

Beer – drink as little or as much as you want. Buy your own at a bar, restaurant, or shop where the run finishes. We try to find bars with extended happy hours, sometimes just for us.

Camera - bring it with a waterproof bag – there will usually be plenty of photo ops.

Checks – marked with an “X”. 360 degrees, 100 or so metres maximum to next paper.

Circle – The committee will run the circle. It will end at 8:30pm at which point hashers can carry on in whatever way they see fit.

Dress Code – hash gear – i.e. running clothes that can get dirty!

False trails – sometimes used and marked with an “FT”. Go back and find paper.

Marks - normally shredded paper on trails, chalk on concrete, walls or utility poles and the occasional use of flour, but it’s up to the hare(s) of the day

Off paper - generally on ahead or back, but should be treated as a check.

Run length – between 5 and 7 km, front runners are usually in after one hour

Start time - 18:30

Transport – runs should start and end within 1km of BTS (skytrain) or MRT (subway) stations. Google maps will show run starting points.

Virgins – virgin hashers are welcome – if none of this makes any sense, don’t worry, it doesn’t make any sense to most hashers either!

Walkers – no problem, there are always plenty of them

Water - bring water on the trail. It’s hot here. None is provided by the hash. Usually can be bought at the start, but stop at 7-11 along the way, just in case

Setting a Good BTH3 run

Whether if you’ve set dozens of runs, or this is your first run, please take a few minutes to review these guidelines for setting a good BTH3 run. Although the Hash involves many things, the main goal is to have a nice, interesting run that is enjoyable and more fun than just running around the streets! Good trails are also what keep the pack together -- both on the run and as a kennel. If there are too many bad runs, people begin to lose interest in the club. So please make the extra effort to set the best trail possible and ensure that everyone has a good time. Your fellow hashers will appreciate it.

1. Choosing a good run start and finish location:

• Start & finish somewhere relatively quiet – avoid busy streets and major intersections.
• Tip: You don’t HAVE to finish in front of a 7-11 (or drink outlet); it is much better to find a quiet spot a few minutes walk to the drinks, rather than a noisy spot nearer to the store.
• Look for an open area where a group of about 40 can form a circle (without too much interruption).
• In the monsoon season make sure there is some shelter.
• Be considerate of neighbors and try to find a place where we won’t disturb others.
• Choose a restaurant for the on-on near the finish. Proximity is more important than quality.

2. Planning a good route:

• Keep the run a reasonable distance: 6.5 to 8.5km is perfect. 
• Stay on back streets and avoid traffic as much as possible. 
• Use klongs, alleys, and pathways to keep the run interesting.
• Avoid long stretches (more than 300 meters) down boring streets.
• Try not to run under highways as there is a buildup of exhaust fumes.
• Don’t be too obvious in your trail path: mix it up. Go in directions that aren’t expected.
• Don’t use too many loops or circular paths; it upsets runners and can easily mess up the trail.
• Tip: Most hares require 3-4 recces (exploring trips) for each trail in order to find the best route possible.

3. Marking your trail: 

• It’s best to use "shreddy" in the 'hole in the pole' generously, the pack knows where to look. Drop it in bushes and on the ground where there are no poles. Use plenty of paper – there is never too much.
• If using chalk, stick to white chalk. Mark vertical surfaces so they don’t get rubbed out.
• Be consistent with your marks – keep to the same side of the street, and clearly show when you cross roads or make turns. Use double marks on both side of the street when crossing main roads.
• Recce your trail after dark (when the hash will be running it) and check lighting.
• Leave a generous handful of paper at each check for the FRB's to break checks for walkers.
• The "on trail" following a check ("X") should be no further than 100m away.
• In dark areas or open fields keep your marks very close; each 20m or so.
• Be very careful in markets and other crowded areas as marks are easily lost or covered up. Make sure the trail is heavily marked and try to keep the path obvious (avoid turns, checks, etc.) in these areas.
• In the monsoon season, use paper and double the usual markings. Use chalk on vertical surfaces also. Make many “X”s for checks. Think about whether your marks will survive a downpour!

HAVE FUN!
(Update Oct-2014)

The Constitution

Bangkok Thursday Hash was run for the first time on July 19, 2012. It attempts to adhere to the following guidelines.

• Runs will be in the city of Bangkok, start at 6:30pm to accommodate working people, and begin and end within 1km of either a BTS or MRT station. Runs in the city are on pavement, no complaints about the trail, you know up front what to expect.
• Everyone is invited to participate, however, only if you attempt to run or walk the trail.
• Buy/bring your own beverage. We don’t want to encourage people to ‘get their money’s worth’ of beer because they pay a run fee. Drink one, drink six, it’s up to the individual. Runs will end at a bar, restaurant or shop where beer can be purchased. Down down beer will be provided by the hash. But fitness is our focus.
• Hares will attempt to make one-hour running / walking trails. Circle will start either 15 minutes after the last walker returns or at 20:00, whichever comes first. Circle will end at 20:30. Carry on if you wish, with whomever you wish, wherever you wish. But for working people, it’s possible to be home by 21:00, we know Friday is still a weekday.
• Runs will be held weekly, except when there is a Bangkok Full Moon Hash on a Friday. We want to offer a weekly hash, with a later start time, in the same vein as the Full Moon Hash. We are not looking to compete, but complement. If there is demand in the future to run every week, this idea might change.
• If you have ideas to make this hash more fun, healthy or interesting, please speak to the committee.

(Last Updated on July-2012)

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