The Hash Trail is designed for a group of individuals (normally referred to as "the pack") to follow a trail (true & false) that other individuals (normally referred to as the hares) from a start point to a finish point. The distance varies from 3-6 miles and the finish point is fairly close/not so close to the start. The hares jog out in advance of the pack and set a course marked by splashes of white/colored flour, shredded paper, and chalk marks (called "hashmarks"). The objective of the hash trail is to have fun, survive, catch the hares, find the finish and drink beer. If one or more of the hares are caught, they are penalized by having to chug-a-lug a beverage of their choice - ie. a down-down!!