In the heart of Sweden, beneath the rolling landscapes and dense forests, a unique event is set to redefine the boundaries of human endurance and technological prowess. On October 25, 2025, Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc mine will host the world’s deepest mining marathon, a grueling 42.2-kilometer race that will take place 1,120 meters below sea level, and 1,302 meters beneath the surface. This is not just a test of physical and mental resilience; it is a showcase of modern mining technology and safety, designed to challenge perceptions and spark debate within the industry.
The marathon, which aims to raise over £1 million for charity, will see 60 participants navigate the depths of the mine in complete darkness and silence, enduring temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius. This event is not merely about breaking world records; it is a statement on the advancements in mining safety and sustainability. International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Chief Executive Rohitesh Dhawan underscores this point, stating, “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 event is a collaboration between Boliden, ICMM, and learning and development company BecomingX, co-founded by adventurer Bear Grylls. Grylls emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the challenge, noting, “Running a marathon is tough, but doing it 1,120 metres below sea level, in total silence and darkness, will push participants to their limits.” This event is about more than physical endurance; it is about proving what is possible when individuals and industries dare to push beyond their perceived boundaries.
Boliden CEO Mikael Staffas highlights the significance of the Garpenberg mine as the perfect setting for this event. “As one of the safest and most technologically advanced mines in the world, Garpenberg is the perfect setting to show that mining can be cutting-edge and purpose driven,” Staffas says. The mine, which processed around 3.455 million tonnes of ore in 2024, is not only a testament to modern mining practices but also a historical landmark as Sweden’s oldest mining area still in operation.
The marathon will bring together a diverse group of participants, including CEOs, industry executives, and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom will be running their first marathon. This inclusivity is a reflection of the broader goals of the event: to inspire, to innovate, and to demonstrate the potential of the mining industry to contribute to societal well-being.
The Garpenberg mine is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including 70 rescue chambers with enough air to keep 500 people alive for at least eight hours. Additionally, the mine houses an ambulance, trailers with rescue equipment, and two firefighting vehicles with a capacity of 400 litres of firefighting foam. These features not only ensure the safety of the marathon participants but also highlight the advancements in mine safety and emergency preparedness.
The world’s deepest mining marathon is more than just a sporting event; it is a platform to showcase the transformation of the modern mining industry. It challenges the sector to think beyond traditional boundaries and to embrace innovation and sustainability. As the participants push their limits in the depths of the Garpenberg mine, they will also be pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the mining industry. This event has the potential to shape the future of mining, inspiring a new generation of leaders and innovators to rethink the possibilities of this vital industry.