This October, 60 runners from across the globe will descend to a depth of 1,120 metres below the Earth’s surface to compete in what’s being hailed as the world’s deepest marathon. Hosted inside Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc mine in Sweden — one of the deepest in Europe — the event promises to push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance, while raising over £1 million ($1.34 million) for charity.
Organized by Boliden, BecomingX, and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the marathon is set not only to challenge human limits but also to highlight the evolution of mining into a safer, more technologically advanced industry.
The Garpenberg mine, reaching a depth of 1,302 metres — more than four times the height of the Eiffel Tower — will serve as the unusual and extreme racecourse. Participants will run in complete silence and darkness, equipped with helmets and guided by 3D route mapping systems.
“This will be a true test,” said Bear Grylls, co-founder of BecomingX. “Running a marathon is tough, but doing it 1,120 metres below sea level will push participants to their limits.”
ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan emphasized that modern mines like Garpenberg represent a stark contrast to the dangerous tunnels of the past, making such an event not only possible but safe. Boliden CEO Mikael Staffas called the event “historic,” noting the mine’s advanced safety and sustainability practices.
With two world records in sight and an ambitious fundraising goal, the World’s Deepest Marathon is shaping up to be a landmark event blending human grit with technological progress.
