Event Outline and Rules
Each participating residence enters seven teams (one into each divisions) into the event. Division 1 is to be dropped off up to 70 km (as the crow flies) from the end point. The distances reduce with each division down to division 7 which is dropped of as little as 10–15 km (as the crow flies) from the endpoint. In actual distance run, Division 1 can cover over 100 km and division 7 over 30. The drop-off zones and endpoint are in remote and often secluded environments including fire trails, national parks and state forests.
Before departing for the drop off point, the teams are scrutinised to ensure that they have a set of compulsory equipment. The compulsory equipment includes:
- water
- food
- maps and compasses
- survival equipment
The teams are then blindfolded before boarding buses and departing for the drop off point. The route to drop-off point is deliberately obfuscated, with buses spending upwards of one hour driving around Canberra in order to cause disorientation. This prevents teams from knowing the drop off location right from the start.
The buses leave (beginning with division 1 in the early evening) at 1 hour intervals starting of the eve of the event. Typically division 7 will leave early in the morning of the day of the event.
When the runners are dropped off they remove their blindfolds and each team proceeds to identify their location. Typically two runners, known as 'Scouts', from each team will run in opposite directions to find some indication of their location. They have a limited timeframe to get back, with the punishment for returning late being as severe as an additional twelve hours added to your teams finishing time. When they return the team confirms its location and plot a course to the end point. The teams then race to the endpoint.
The rules are structured to ensure that teams rely not only on their fitness, but also on their navigational ability to reach the endpoint. Thus maps and compasses are the only acceptable navigational aids. Tools such as GPS and altimeters are forbidden. Outside assistance in the form of transportation by vehicle or asking other people for the team's location are forbidden. Checking the addresses on envelopes in mailboxes is also forbidden, as a breach of privacy.
Generally, if a team is caught breaking any of the rules, or if they lose compulsory equipment they will be disqualified. Loss of equipment can also result in time penalties.
Each team receives a number of points for finishing the event. The number of points for each finishing position increases for each division. The residence with the most points at the end of the competition wins the event.
History
Inward Bound was first held in 1962. Mike Gore, the founder of Questacon, is credited with coming up with the idea in memory of close friend and passionate navigator, Jason Ryan. Ryan is considered to be the 'first' to have embarked on an unmonitored journey through the surrounding Canberra bushland, after setting off in the early hours of the morning on Friday the 17th of August, 1962. After running from what is now known as 'civic' in Canberra, Ryan eventually returned two days later, on the Sunday. The exact reason for the trip has been placed under immense scrutiny, with some reporting that Ryan could hear noises when he was sitting in silence, and thought a run such as this could straighten them out. Others believe it was simply a challenge Gore had set Ryan, for which he completed. Furthermore, Bill Packard and John Foster also helped to start the event, in developing the event from the idea and into its infancy. [2]
At the time, the Australian National University had only recently been formed and had only 200 students. The first event consisted of a race from South of Canberra to Bruce Hall. [2] At the time Bruce Hall was the only residence on campus and the student population numbered approximately 200. The initial race was won by a team which hitch-hiked back to Bruce Hall.
Teams cannot use outside assistance to reach the endpoint. While the format of the race has changed over time due to safety and insurance requirements, the core challenge remains the same.
RMC Duntroon participated in one Inward Bound event in 1965. The participation was an attempt to develop closer ties between the ANU and RMC following animosity between the two institutions. ADFA participated in 2014 as trial year and have been invited back every year. Sadly they were not told about the continued invitation until 2021 and were meant to compete again. Politics between the ANU and the ADF obstructed their involvement until 2023, where some teams enter under the Division X category. There are expectations that ADFA will continue their involvement in Inward Bound, with some discussion indicating they may pursue Hall-equivalent status (entering seven divisions, becoming competitive for division-level ranking and becoming able to win the coveted Doherty-Banks Award.)
In 2008, Inward Bound was cancelled because the Organisers were unable to get Stakeholders to 'sign off' before the event was scheduled. In 2009, a comprehensive risk management plan was created for the event. This plan, along with a new dialogue of consultation with ANU administration, state and federal authorities, local councils and landholders meant the event returned in 2009 and has since successfully continued.
Division 7 (Independent), the eighth division, was discontinued from 2013 due to the increased number of teams from the inclusion of more halls and colleges, making the division a financial strain on the event.
In 2020 and 2021, Inward Bound was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In 2022 Inward Bound resumed. It also saw the introduction of a strengthened gender equity rule, where no more than 50% of a college's runners are allowed to identify with the same gender. [3] In 2024, 47% of competing athletes were either Female or non-binary, a significant milestone in being both the highest known proportion of non-male athletes to ever compete and the highest absolute number of non-male athletes to compete.
Currently the following residences participate in Inward Bound:
The post-COVID years have seen Burton & Garran Hall and Bruce Hall emerge as the strongest halls, competing intensely for first place on the overall rankings. Fenner Hall has also recently performed well, coming third consistently and beginning to challenge the top contenders. Griffin Hall often sees their top divisions perform well, but have lacked depth in their entire team to rank well overall.
Newer halls to the competition like Wamburun Hall, Wright Hall and Yukeembruk Hall have somewhat struggled in the post-COVID environment, but are developing positive Inward Bound cultures that are expected to blossom in the coming years. Ursula Hall continues to do impressively given their size disadvantage, while Burgmann Hall's performance remains modest - save for 2023. Unilodge has seen improved participation that has led to some impressive performances, while John's XXIII continues to enter seven teams of a diverse quality.
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