This extraordinary endurance challenge, featuring 55 participants from 18 countries, was held 1118.56 m below sea level in Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc mine and pushed runners to their physical and mental limits in an environment few will ever experience. Overcoming high humidity, temperatures of up to 27°C, gravel floors, and almost complete darkness, participants completed 11 laps of a 3.84 km tunnel to reach the full marathon distance – and raised over US$600k for the BecomingX Foundation and the Wild at Heart Foundation, united by a shared spirit of challenge and adventure.
Organised by BecomingX, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), and Boliden, the event was not only designed to break world records, but celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, as well as highlighting the transformation of the modern mining industry. That spirit of innovation was brought to life through Minecraft creator Seapeekay, who joined the action by livestreaming the game underground and even running a lap of the course – bringing virtual mining into a real mine and bridging the worlds of digital adventure and real-world endurance.
Among the runners who took part, a strong contingent represented the United Kingdom, reflecting a diverse mix of professions. UK participants included Jonathan Price (CEO, Teck Resources), Henrietta Newman (World Gold Council), Corinne Smit (Newmont), Rory Coleman (Professional Running Coach), Paul Gurney (Co-Founder, BecomingX), Rohitesh Dhawan (CEO, ICMM), Arun Misra (CEO Hindustan Zinc), Sarah Hartley (The Running Channel), Toni-Ivana Awofeso (Alpine Project), Will Wardle (ICMM), and Callum Knight (aka Seapeekay).
Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO of ICMM, on raising awareness of the mining sector: “To host a full marathon underground safely and successfully is a remarkable achievement, and a true testament to the transformation of the mining industry. With air quality in the Garpenberg mine featuring approximately 30 per cent more oxygen than in the atmosphere and fewer pollutants than major cities, the event powerfully demonstrated what modern, responsible mining looks like, and the innovation that sits at its core.
"We are deeply grateful to our partners at Boliden for opening their world-class Garpenberg mine to this global challenge, and to BecomingX for their collaboration in showcasing mining in such an extraordinary way.”