Inward Bound - Event Outline and Rules

Event Outline and Rules

Each participating residence enters eight 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. The eighth division, called division 7 (independent) is dropped off at the same location as division seven, but does not receive points towards the final score.

Before departing for the drop off point, the teams are scrutineered to ensure that they have a set of compulsory equipment. The compulsory equipment includes:

• water
• food
• maps and compasses
• survival equipment

Each team is also given an envelope with the end point location printed on the outside. The envelope contains details of the drop off point and contact phone numbers. Teams must present the envelope unopened at the end of the race. Failure to do so results in disqualification.

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 and division 7 (independent) 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 from each team will run in opposite directions to find some indication of their location. 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; for example, teams lose 6 hours for each person who arrives without a rain jacket or poncho, and 3 hours for each person who arrives without a watch.

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.