The signposting of routes, the set-up of barriers, the handing out of food, the chaperoning of athletes, the instruction of photographers – none of these tasks that are an integral part of any major event would be possible without the tireless support of supporters. “Volunteers are the WMTRC’s backbone,” says Alexander Pittl, CEO of the 2nd World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck-Stubai 2023. A total of 400 people lent their helping hands to support the WMTRC organizers in the execution of the event, more of 100 of whom came from different corners of the world. Rodrigo Herrera from Catamarca in Argentinien had a particularly long journey. “I participated in the Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival and decided to stay on to volunteer at the WC,” the 34-year old says. He was tasked with deliveries as well as route marshal duties but also supported the media and press team. “The people were very dedicated and the overall atmosphere was amazing,” he says about his days working at the WMTRC.
Johanna Roth didn’t have to travel that far; she lives in Munich, which is basically around the corner from Innsbruck. The 23-year-old supported the media team. “It feels amazing to be part of a well-organized event and to be able to contribute,” she said. Her main task was to support representatives of the media. “I answer their questions, hand out start- and result lists and hold the fort during the races.” Dejan Krle, 41, comes from North Macedonia, where he organizes an international trail running race at Lake Ohrid. At the WMTRC in Innsbruck-Stubai, he works with the logistics team, handling the equipment check at the finish and supporting the event setup. “I really like the region; the mountains are much steeper and more rugged than back home. I learn a lot and I am sure I can take back some valuable knowledge regarding events.”
Not only do the volunteers cover a pretty broad spectrum in terms of geography but also in terms of age. From 24-year-old Marco, a paramedic in training from the Ötztal valley, to retiree Barbara, all age groups are represented. Martina Jamnig is somewhere in the middle and has taken leave from work to be able to volunteer at the WMTRC. She came from her adopted home in London to work without pay as a route marshal, to support journalists and to generally lend a helping hand wherever one was needed.
“It is a lot of fun and in addition you get to learn something new and also get to meet new people,” she says. Some others come to volunteer in order to be close to the stars of the scene, like Brigitte, who comes from Styria and has had previous experience in organizing running events. She loves trail running and was rooting for Florian Grasel, also known as “trail beard”. “I have met him several times but I am afraid he doesn’t remember me,” a convivial Barbara says; she was busy as a route marshal along the trails but also motivated fans to leave their signatures on the “Leave no trace” wall. Martina, Marco, Johanna, Dejan, Rodrigo – the stage was theirs on the final evening. Alexander Pittl asked all volunteers to join him in the spotlight so the audience could see just how many passionate people it takes to successfully host World Championships.
