To be a hound

Being a Hound can be lots of fun.  But there are a few things you can do that will improve the experience for everyone involved.  We’ve listed some tips on this page – and we encourage you to take a few minutes to read them.  Above all, remember that the Hash is not a competition – it’s a fun, low-cost, social activity that involves some exercise, thus enhancing the experience for everyone because we’re all sharing it.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, why not go to the next step and volunteer to help Mismanagement? – you can be very sure of a warm welcome because we’re all volunteers and “many hands make light work”!

In the meantime, enjoy the experience…  “On On”!

1.  Read and understand the weekly run notifications, especially advice on requirements for hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, etc – and take note of the run area to help decide short or long trousers, socks, sleeves, etc.
2. Let us know you are coming by registering on our home page

2.  Turn up on time  (1 pm for 1.30 pm departure unless notified otherwise).

3.  Have the right change to pay run fees, also a bottle of water (refreshments available after the run, but not before).

4.  Listen to the Hare/s briefing and ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand.  Don’t be in such a hurry to leave that you’re not sure where you’re going or, most importantly, where we will finish.

5.  Follow the trail markers at all times.  Don’t run blindly on because you think you know the way (or worse, because you assume someone in front of you does…).

6.  Always backtrack if you haven’t seen a marker for 50 metres (except only if it’s a clearly defined trail with no possible turn-offs along the way).

7.  Listen for the “On On” calls from those in front and behind.  Cry “On On” whenever you find a marker, especially when the trail is complicated – or takes a radical change in direction.

8.  Try always to have the Hare/s’ and/or a friend’s phone number/s in your mobile, and even a plastic whistle (available in sports stores and children’s toy shops).  But please remember that the whistle is for communication – it’s NOT for fun, because lots of whistles being blown all over the place can not only annoy locals but also confuse Hashers and even obscure the fact that someone might be in trouble and blowing three long blasts to summon help (see 9. following).

9.  Try always to keep someone else in view – two heads are often better than one in a strange place!  If lost or in trouble, use your whistle to make the emergency signal (three long blasts, repeated at intervals until help is at hand).

10.  Similarly, if you hear three long blasts on a whistle it could mean someone is lost and/or in need of help.  Immediately head towards the source of the sound to see if you can assist.  Remember, the Hash is not a competition – it’s an exercise in getting along with people, and the best way to do that is to help each other whenever necessary.

11.  Always respect the community where you’re running – it’s their land we’re using!  Try to greet as many locals as possible – always with at least a smile and a wave!

12.  Participate in the Circle and Down Down at end of run.  Learn the “Down Down” songs! (see “VTCH3 Protocols” page).  Importantly, if you’re not able to make it to the after-run Circle for whatever reason, please let someone know – otherwise we might be needlessly organising a search party for you!

13.  If not happy with a particular trail or run for some reason, remember VTCH3 is always looking for volunteers to help with the next one!

14.  Above all, become a VTCH3 ambassador – tell your friends how much fun you had, and encourage them to join us!  Or take it a step further and give us a review on Trip Advisor so visitors to Vung Tau will also join us!