If you’re a hasher, you already know the two go together like gin and tonic. Hashers call themselves a drinking club with a running problem. Each of the area clubs has a unique name, personality and neighborhood focus. Hashers themselves have (usually raunchy) nicknames and run regularly scheduled runs.

“Every hash is different,” said D.C. hasher "Tooth Fairy." But each hash has the same three components: "1) The Run, which is taken after the English tradition of Hares and Hounds.... 2) The Circle, where you encounter fun rituals that involve doing a 'down-down' where you have to drink a beer. 3) The On-On, which is the after-party, usually at a local bar."

Hashers are quick to tell you that this isn’t an athletic event. Wearing new sneakers and/or shirts from formal races are frowned upon; in fact, wearing new sneaks usually means drinking out of them by the end of the night.

Despite the casual attitude about the running, hashes are no walk in the park. It’s more like a crash through the woods (or a stream, briar patch, etc.). Each week, a different hare sets the trail, usually 4-6 miles long. The trails can take place anywhere, from the great outdoors to city streets. Hares go slightly ahead of time and mark the trail with flour. It’s up to the hashers to find their way to the end, and the hare better hope he or she doesn’t get caught. There are consequences for that, and chances are good that it’ll involve alcohol.

Below are listings of the 10 DC hashes. Tooth Fairy recommends trying out several, since “each has its own flavor and spirit." Some groups are friendly for families and walkers (as in walking, not the medical device), although the On-Ons are strictly 21+. Many hashes request a nominal fee at the events. Visit www.dchashing.com for more details on hashing and the hashes below.

BALTIMORE-ANNAPOLIS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS: Sundays at 3. The group’s Web site also has information about the Maryland Dirt Road Hash, which runs Wednesdays at 7.

EVERY DAY IS WEDNESDAY: Tooth Fairy says this is the “young singles” hash. Group motto: “We’re here to make babies, not raise ‘em!” Thursday evenings across the D.C. area.

GREAT FALLS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS: A kinder, gentler hash known for being family friendly and having good food. Saturdays at 3 p.m.

D.C. HASH HOUSE HARRIETTES AND HARRIERS: This Montgomery County, MD-area hash goes Saturday afternoons. Family friendly. The On-On is often at a hasher’s house.

OVER THE HUMP: Two regular hashes for this Virginia group: Family friendly Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7—usually for adults, classified as those 17 or older.

SO HAPPY IT’S TUESDAY (S.H.I.T.): A NOVA-area hash on Tuesdays at 6:30. Adults only, and some hashes are described as “virgin-friendly.”

MOUNT VERNON HASH HOUSE HARRIERS: Saturdays at 10, runs all over D.C. area, and Tooth Fairy says this group has longer trails and fast runners.

WHITE HOUSE: Adult-oriented group with its own song. Hashes Sundays at 3 p.m. in the D.C. area, usually has trails for runners and walkers. Hits a local bar or restaurant afterward.

D.C. RED DRESS HASH: On October 1st this year, this is a local extension of a worldwide annual event. Everyone runs in a red dress. 800 hashers ran last year in D.C.

BELTWAY BOB’S HAPPY HOUR: No running, just drinking at this happy hour for the various hashes.