It has since grown tremendously and has spread to every major city. Their job is to lay an interesting and challenging trail. Each hash run will usually start at a different location and can go in any direction. Where it goes is known only to the Hares. Once on course, there will be a dozen or so check points to indicate a change in direction.
Checks also serve to confuse the Hounds.
More importantly though, the check helps to keep the pack together, as there may be several false trails at each check. While the faster runners are searching for true trail, the slower runners have time to catch up. On many hashes, the Hares may be overcome with compassion and leave beer and water hidden along the way. The trail can and usually does lead through areas never seen by runners or the local derelicts. No place is sacred.