Blindfolded and dropped into the pitch-black Australian bush with nothing but a compass, a map and a basic survival kit—terrifying, right? For most, absolutely! But for the participants of Inward Bound, it’s the ultimate adrenaline rush. After all, these are ANU students we’re talking about.

Inward Bound is no ordinary race. It’s an interhall ultramarathon unique to ANU, where students navigate up to 100km through rugged bushland, racing against the clock and the wilderness to reach the destination: End Point.

Eleven ANU residences submit a team for the seven divisions, choosing members based on athletic ability, experience and team chemistry. Teams comprise two navigators and two scouts, working in perfect sync to tackle the unforgiving terrain, outsmart the elements and cross the finish line to End Point first.

For over 60 years, Inward Bound has been woven into the fabric of ANU culture. This intense physical challenge brings students together to push their limits, all in the name of university (and ressie) pride.

For Inward Bound 2024, we joined the ANU students in the bush to see first-hand what this race was all about.