The 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck-Stubai were not only a stage for elite athletes — they also provided a unique opportunity for young aspiring journalists to experience major sporting event coverage first-hand. The WMTRC 2023 Young Reporter programme invited selected young people to work alongside professional media teams, producing content and gaining invaluable behind-the-scenes experience at an international championship.
The programme was designed as a media education initiative that combined practical journalism training with the excitement of a live world championship event. Participants learned the fundamentals of sports reporting, including interview techniques, live event coverage, photography for digital media and the art of translating complex athletic performances into compelling stories for diverse audiences.
For the young reporters, their working days at the WMTRC 2023 bore little resemblance to a typical classroom experience. They found themselves in the mixed zone interviewing athletes moments after they crossed the finish line, in the press centre filing reports alongside seasoned sports journalists and on the mountain trails capturing the atmosphere of races like the Vertical Race at the Elfer and the Mountain Classic course near Innsbruck.
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the direct access it provided to world-class athletes. Young reporters had the opportunity to interview gold medallists, national team coaches and event organisers, developing their confidence in professional settings while building an understanding of the human stories behind elite sport. Several participants cited their conversations with athletes as the most memorable part of the experience.
The initiative also highlighted the organisational complexity involved in staging a multi-discipline world championship across multiple venues in the Stubai Valley and Innsbruck region. Young reporters gained insight into event logistics, volunteer coordination, broadcast production and the challenge of managing spectator access on mountain terrain — aspects of major sporting events that are rarely visible to the general public.
Beyond the practical journalism skills acquired, the programme fostered a genuine connection between young people and the sport of mountain and trail running. Several participants had no prior exposure to competitive mountain running before joining the programme, and many left with a new appreciation for the athleticism, courage and natural beauty that define the discipline.
The Young Reporter programme at the WMTRC 2023 continued a tradition of youth engagement at major athletics events, following similar initiatives at the European Athletics Championships and World Athletics events. By investing in the next generation of sports journalists, the championship organisers ensured that the stories of the WMTRC 2023 would reach audiences far beyond the traditional mountain running community.
The content produced by the young reporters was published across the championship's digital channels, providing fresh perspectives and youthful enthusiasm that complemented the established media coverage. Their work stands as a testament to the power of giving young people real responsibility and genuine access at the highest level of international sport.
The Young Reporter programme was a media education initiative that gave selected young people the opportunity to cover the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck-Stubai as working journalists, producing content alongside professional media teams.
Participants learned sports interview techniques, live event reporting, digital photography, content creation for online platforms and the logistics of covering a multi-venue international sporting event. They worked in the press centre, mixed zone and on the mountain courses.
Yes, young reporters received press accreditation that allowed them access to the mixed zone, press conferences and athlete areas. They interviewed gold medallists, national team coaches and event organisers from the competing nations.
Events took place across the Innsbruck and Stubai Valley regions. Young reporters covered the Vertical Race at the Elfer, the Mountain Classic, Trail Short, Trail Long and the Stubai Ultratrail across multiple venues in the Tyrolean Alps.
Yes, Young Reporter programmes have become an established feature at major athletics events worldwide. Similar initiatives have been run at European Athletics Championships and World Athletics events. The WMTRC 2023 edition continued this tradition within the mountain and trail running context.
Content created by the young reporters was published across the WMTRC 2023's official digital channels, including the event website and social media platforms. Their articles, photographs and video pieces provided fresh perspectives on the championship alongside professional media coverage.