Boliden to host World’s Deepest Marathon

Hosted in Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc mine in Sweden, the World’s Deepest Marathon will be the deepest event of its kind ever, breaking two world records and aiming to raise more than £1 million for charity.

With temperatures reaching up to 28°C, gravel floors and no natural light, runners will complete 18 lengths of a 2.4 km tunnel, wearing specialist reflective running gear, helmets, and headtorches as they push their physical and mental limits. The event is designed not only to break records, but to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and spotlight the safety, innovation and transformation of the modern mining industry.

Bear Grylls, BecomingX co-founder, on pushing boundaries:

“The World’s Deepest Marathon embodies BecomingX’s message that we all have the potential to achieve extraordinary things. This will be a true test of mental and physical resilience. Running a marathon is tough, but doing it 1120 m below sea level, in total silence and darkness, will push participants to their limits. This is about more than breaking records – it is about proving what’s possible when we dare to push beyond our perceived boundaries and into the unknown.”

BecomingX, a learning and development company on a mission to help people realise their potential, is partnering with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and event hosts Boliden, one of the world’s most advanced mining companies.

The event is supported by 23 sponsors, including Official Partners World Gold Council, Hindustan Zinc, and Teck Resources Ltd, whose senior leaders will all personally take on the marathon underground.

Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO of ICMM, highlights how mining is changing, said:

“This event shows just how far mining has come. Underground conditions are often challenging, yet with the kind of safety and sustainability leadership that Boliden exemplifies, mines can support 60 runners attempting a full marathon deeper than any human in history. The World’s Deepest Marathon not only supports great causes but shines a light on the innovation, safety and humanity that define the modern, responsible mining industry.”

Mikael Staffas, CEO of Boliden, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to host this historic event at our Garpenberg mine. As one of the safest and most technologically advanced mines in the world, it’s the perfect setting to show that mining can be both cutting-edge and purpose-driven. We look forward to welcoming the intreprid runners and shining a light on an industry that’s critical to a sustainable future.”

The World’s Deepest Marathon will bring together CEOs, industry leaders, and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – many of whom will be running their first marathon, but all united by a spirit of challenge and a commitment to social impact.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/21072025/boliden-to-host-worlds-deepest-marathon/