You Hash at Your Own Risk

Hashing – running in the dark, often over uneven terrain, sometimes following a trail but occasionally straying off it, with a few natural (and possibly unnatural) hazards thrown in for good measure – carries more risk than a daytime stroll in a suburban park. And that’s a large part of the appeal for many hashers.

This means, however, that you participate at your own risk.

SH4 holds Public Liability Insurance for our activities, but please note that there is NO Insurance for personal injury or loss.

There is guidance and advice available for laying and walking/jogging/running a trail to minimize risks, but ultimately, we’re all adults (or, hopefully, in the care of a responsible one or two). SH4 can’t dictate how closely you adhere to that guidance. Best efforts are made to give you the information you need to make a judgment call, but only you can decide what is safe for you to attempt.

All that understood, things can – and do – sometimes go awry. With that in mind, SH4 has developed contingency measures designed to provide safety and reassurance, along with a solid Plan B if you find yourself in need of extraction!

Please take time to familiarise yourself with these, and feel free to get in touch with any suggestions for additions or improvements!

SH4 Contingencies

  • Buddy system – Always aim to run with another hasher, ideally two others (one to stay with the injured, one to get help), and agree to stick together.
  • New hashers – Make yourself known to GM at Circle Up. Ensure you have the emergency numbers saved and run with someone.
  • Children – Parents are responsible for their children’s safety at all times.
  • Dogs – Dogs should be on leads. Hare must advise if trail is unsuitable for dogs.
  • Mobile phones – Save SH4’s roving phone number, the pub’s phone number, and the contact details of at least one other hasher to your phone. Consider a waterproof phone case and a phone pouch for running.
  • What3Words – Download the app. It works offline and can locate you even without signal.
  • ICE (In Case of Emergency) register – Ensure your ICE contacts are up to date. Carry essential medical info with you on the trail.
  • Personal contact details – Ensure yours are up to date in case hares need to contact you in an emergency.
  • Sign out/in system – Sign out AND in with the ‘On Sec’ who records you via a phone app to ensure everyone returns safely.
  • Sweepers – Trails should always be swept. Hares must inform at Circle Up how this will be done.
  • First Aid Kit – Held by the GM (at the pub). Consider carrying your own essentials kit for emergencies.
  • Accident Book – SH4 maintains an accident book to record injuries. Report any incidents to the GM or committee members.

In Case of Emergency

  • Carry a mobile phone – Especially in unfamiliar terrain or adverse weather.
  • Consider using tracking apps like Google Location Sharing to share your location with known contacts.
  • Text messaging may work better than calls in areas with poor signal.
  • What3Words works offline and can help you locate yourself in an emergency.
  • If you lose the trail – Retrace your steps, look for landmarks, or contact the SH4 base using the phone numbers provided.
  • If someone is injured – Cut short your route if needed and seek shelter if in adverse weather.
  • Call SH4 phone or emergency services if necessary.
  • Provide location (using grid reference or What3Words), name, gender, age of casualty, nature of injuries, number of people in the group, and your phone number.
  • Dial 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue if in remote areas.

In All Cases

  • If hashers are not back by 10:00pm, efforts will be made to contact them by phone.
  • If no contact is made, a search party will be dispatched.
  • If still no contact, emergency services will be involved and ICE contacts informed.

Hare Responsibly

  • Consider the terrain, weather conditions, temperature, and time of day when planning the hash route.
  • Plan long, short, and walk routes. In adverse weather, adjust route lengths accordingly.
  • If the trail is challenging or hazardous, provide clear guidance at Circle Up and ensure the trail is well-marked.
  • Ensure frequent marks on moorland or private land, especially in challenging areas.
  • Make sure livestock and potential risks are highlighted at Circle Up, so runners can make informed decisions.
  • Always obtain landowner permission when crossing private land.
  • Include beer stops for morale!

Ahead of the Hash

  • Notify if the trail is suitable for dogs or children, and advise if head torches or special equipment are needed.
  • Ensure hashers are aware of trail distances, sweeping arrangements, and the importance of sticking together.
  • Have trail maps available for hashers who might need them.
  • Remind everyone of emergency contacts and encourage buddying up.

The GM should give a brief safety briefing at Circle Up, especially for new members.

It should not be assumed that new members will have read the website.