We had the pleasure of interviewing Nadeem Khan, President of the IAU. Nadeem joined the IAU as Council Member back in 2008 and was elected President in 2018. The 2nd World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, taking place in Innsbruck-Stubai from June 6 to 10, 2023, are approaching at a fast pace.
By Jacek Bedkowski (JB)
JB: In November 2022 we had the 1st WMTRC in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Can you please share your experience from the competition and the lessons learned from Chiang Mai.
Nadeem Khan (NK): Chiang Mai was our first World Mountain and Trail Running Championships that brought the partnership of the three entities - ITRA, WMRA and the IAU - to the forefront. The years of hard work, strategic planning for a world-class event and dedication to a common goal were in full evidence for the duration of the championships. It was very enlightening and impressive to witness the different modalities of the off-road running world being hosted over a course of the week.
Chiang-Mai and “Amazing Thailand” were outstanding. The organizers have set the bar high for future championships. Since these were the first joint championships, there were some lessons to be learnt on how to further intensify the cooperation and collaboration between the three partners.
JB: Looking ahead, what do you expect from Innsbruck-Stubai?
NK: I am expecting a celebration of off-road running for the duration of the week. I am also hoping for a continuation of the development of this concept that brings together different aspects of trail and mountain running, giving the elite athletes and mass participation runners an opportunity to compete, experience and showcase talent on the world stage.
Having met with the local organizing committee of Innsbruck-Stubai, I am confident that the team will leave no stone unturned in hosting the very best of championships in this second edition of WMTRC.
JB: What are the most important advantages of the WMTRC format from an organizational, sustainable, economical or any other point of view from the IAU perspective?
NK: The three partners - ITRA, WMRA and IAU - all host various races and championships throughout the year. Each of these events has a significant impact on the number of athletes as well as their performances, plus, each single event is a great platform for athletes. If you combine all of these three platforms into one single major one, the impact gets multiplied many times over.
This also comes with its challenges. The organizers have to work with more stakeholders, host larger crowds and monitor more requests across a host of entities. The increase in numbers translates into economical benefits not only for the city but for the country as well. The logistical and organizational challenges are definitely more than compensated for by the sheer magnitude of these championships.
JB: How does an event like this fit into IAU’s annual program, which includes 24-hour, 100-km and 50-km World and Continental Championships?
NK: At the IAU, we serve the ultrarunning community. These championships provide another avenue for our ultra athletes to participate alongside the world’s best runners. Trails have been an important terrain for the IAU; we have organized numerous championships, which finally brought about our partnership with the ITRA. Together, we brought the excitement and enthusiasm of trail running to a whole new level, which culminated in several championships. With the renewed format of the WMTRC, we are bringing a different dimension of off-road running to the athletes.
JB: What is your point of view regarding a joint event including a youth competition?
NK: We need to be aware of the fact that the sport is growing, not only with world class performances in the pro field but also among the recreational runners. In order to ensure strategic growth and progress, it is key to ensure continuous talent development, both among the senior field and the junior athletes. Eventually most of the young athletes will move on to take center stage in the senior events.
JB: Your request from the organizers in Innsbruck-Stubai?
NK: My request from the organizing committee is a simple one: May they organize outstanding championships for our trail and mountain running athletes, an event that meets their expectations and allows them to showcase their abilities and talents on a global stage.
