The "hare" lays a trail of flour and chalk which the "hounds" then follow in order to reach the "on-in" for the drinking and celebration that follow. The hare will deliberately lay false trails and other confusing marks to slow down the pack . Hashing is a noncompetitive sport, and nobody pays much attention to who finishes the trail first. Drinking penalties called "down-downs" are awarded at the on-in to those who violate any of the many hash traditions. Down-downs are usually beer, but everyone is welcome to consume the beverage of their choice, be it beer, soda, water, fruit-juice, or whatever. Everyone usually pays for the beer and on special runs it is sponsored. Hashers typically love dirty jokes, bawdy songs, and being as non-politically-correct as possible, so these traits are highly encouraged! The whole idea is to cut loose, have a good time, and maybe get a little exercise while you're at it.