World’s deepest marathon screens at Mining Indaba 2026

A documentary capturing the world’s deepest marathon — run more than 1,100 metres below ground in a Swedish zinc mine — drew hundreds of viewers on Tuesday at the Mining Indaba 2026 conference.

World’s Deepest Marathon follows novice and experienced runners, including participants from 20 mining companies, as they navigate heat, darkness and isolation in an underground race filmed 1,119 metres below sea level in Boliden’s Garpenberg mine.

The film is based on an October 2025 event in which 55 runners from 17 countries attempted the deepest marathon ever recorded, setting two world records for the deepest individual and team marathons. The race raised more than £1 million for charity.

BecomingX, the International Council on Mining and Minerals (ICMM) and Boliden organised the challenge to highlight human endurance, shift public perceptions of mining and showcase modern safety and innovation practices.

Runners completed 11 laps of a 3.84-km underground course in temperatures reaching 28°C, wearing reflective gear, helmets and head torches. With no natural light and gravel floors, each participant required around 100 litres of water during the race. Mine operations continued throughout the event.

“This is about more than breaking records,” BecomingX co-founder Bear Grylls said at the premiere. “It’s about proving what’s possible when we push beyond our perceived limits.”

ICMM Chief Executive Officer, Rohitesh Dhawan, said the marathon demonstrated how mining has evolved. “The event shines a light on the innovation, safety and humanity that define responsible mining,” he said.

Boliden Chief Executive Officer, Mikael Staffas, said Garpenberg, one of the world’s most advanced mines, provided a safe setting to host an extreme endurance challenge.

A live panel followed the screening, featuring runners and filmmakers who discussed the physical and psychological demands of completing 42.2 km underground.

“This race has helped change the narrative about the mining industry,” said Corinne Smit of Newmont, who took part in the event.

Teck Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Price, who competed soon after recovering from hip surgery, said the experience rekindled his love for running and showcased the diversity of modern mining.

Kumba Iron Ore’s Ledile Dikgale said the marathon tested her strength and helped her raise funds for education and wildlife preservation.

With spectators barred from the mine, runners supported one another throughout, reflecting the Indaba’s 2026 theme: “Stronger Together: Progress through partnerships.”

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