Janet Ng, one of Hong Kong's most accomplished trail runners, arrived at the WMTRC 2023 in Innsbruck-Stubai with a clear mission: to absorb as much experience as possible from competing against the world's elite on demanding alpine terrain. In an interview before the championship, Ng spoke candidly about her development as an athlete, the challenges of preparing for European mountain courses from sea-level Hong Kong, and her ambitions for the future.
"Every championship teaches you something new," Ng explained. "When I first started competing internationally, I was overwhelmed by the altitude and the technical descents. Now I approach these races with a plan." Her preparation for the WMTRC 2023 included altitude training camps and specific work on steep downhill technique — skills that are difficult to replicate on the subtropical trails of Hong Kong but essential for racing in the Stubai Valley and the mountains above Innsbruck.
Ng reflected on the rapid growth of trail running in Asia over the past decade. Hong Kong, with its dense network of mountain trails and a deeply embedded hiking culture, has become one of the sport's global hotspots. "The scene in Hong Kong is incredible — you have thousands of people running trails every weekend, races that sell out in minutes, and a community that is genuinely passionate," she said. "But competing at world championship level is a different challenge entirely, and that's why events like the WMTRC are so important for athletes like me."
She discussed the particular demands of the WMTRC 2023 courses, noting that the altitude profile and exposed alpine ridgelines were unlike anything she encounters in training. "In Hong Kong, our longest climbs are maybe 500 metres of elevation. Here in Tyrol, you're climbing above 2,000 metres in a single ascent, and the air is thinner, and the terrain is completely different — loose rock, snow patches, exposed traverses. It requires a different kind of fitness and a different mental approach."
Despite the challenges, Ng expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Hong Kong at the world championships. She noted that the Asian trail running federation has been investing more in sending athletes to global competitions, and that each championship appearance helps build experience for the broader team. "When I go back, I share everything I've learned with younger runners. That knowledge transfer is how we build a stronger programme over time."
Ng also praised the organisation of the WMTRC 2023, highlighting the spectator atmosphere along the courses and the welcoming spirit of the Tyrolean host communities. "The crowds here are amazing. People stand on the mountain trails cheering for every single runner, regardless of nationality. That kind of support lifts you when you're suffering on a long climb."
Looking ahead, Ng set her sights on continued improvement at the international level. "My goal is not just to participate but to compete — to close the gap to the European and American runners who have grown up on this kind of terrain," she said. "The WMTRC 2023 is another step on that journey, and I'm taking away more experience and more expertise than ever before."
Janet Ng is a competitive trail runner from Hong Kong who has represented her territory at multiple international mountain and trail running championships. She is known for her endurance on long-distance courses and her commitment to developing the Asian trail running scene.
Janet Ng competed in the trail running disciplines at the WMTRC 2023 in Innsbruck-Stubai. The championship offered five disciplines including Trail Short and Trail Long. Full results for all races are available on the results page.
Ng's preparation included altitude training camps to acclimatise to racing above 2,000 metres, as well as specific technical descending practice. Since Hong Kong's trails are at low elevation with short climbs, she needed targeted training to handle the sustained alpine ascents and exposed terrain of the WMTRC 2023 courses.
Hong Kong has one of the most active trail running communities in the world. The territory's extensive network of mountain trails, combined with a strong hiking culture and numerous competitive events, has produced a generation of talented runners. Races regularly sell out within minutes, and the local scene serves as a talent pipeline for international competition.
The primary challenges include altitude acclimatisation, unfamiliar terrain types such as loose alpine rock and snow, longer sustained climbs than are available in most Asian training environments, and the logistical demands of travelling to Europe for competition. Athletes like Ng address these through targeted training camps and progressive exposure to European race conditions.
The WMTRC 2023 site features interviews with key figures including IAU President Nadeem Khan, British mountain running legend Sarah Rowell, and previews of national teams such as Spain's strong squad. Athlete profiles are available on the athletes page.