In late October 2025, Arun Misra, the CEO of Hindustan Zinc, accomplished a unique feat: running his first full marathon in the depths of a Swedish mine. This extraordinary event, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's deepest marathon, took place 1,120 meters (3,675 feet) below sea level in Boliden's Garpenberg zinc mine in Sweden.
The World's Deepest Marathon, held on October 25, 2025, was organized by BecomingX, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), and Boliden. The event brought together 55–60 runners from 18 countries, including CEOs, mining industry leaders, charity workers, and amateur runners. Many participants, like Misra, were running their first marathon.
Participants completed 11 laps of a 3.84-kilometer tunnel within the Garpenberg mine to reach the full marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers. The runners, equipped with headlamps and helmets, navigated the course in complete darkness. The event set two Guinness World Records: the deepest marathon (individual) and the deepest underground marathon distance run (team).
The marathon wasn't just about breaking records; it was also a fundraising event. Participants aimed to raise $1 million for the BecomingX Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to disadvantaged young people in Africa, and the Wild at Heart Foundation, which works to reduce the global population of stray dogs.
Garpenberg mine, located in Hedemora, is one of the world's most modern and productive zinc mines. It extracts 3.5 million tonnes of complex ores containing zinc, lead, silver, copper, and gold. Mining has been conducted at the site since 350 years B.C., and today, the mine utilizes industry-leading and largely automated technology.
Misra's participation in the marathon was driven by a desire to highlight modern mining practices and shift public perception of the industry. He aimed to remind people of how integral mining is to everyday life and showcase the industry's commitment to safety, technology, and resilience. The air quality in the Garpenberg mine is reportedly better than above ground, containing about 30 percent more oxygen due to barometric pressure, and is continuously pumped and filtered.
Despite the controlled environment, the runners faced challenging conditions. They endured temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and 72% humidity, along with the physical demands of running on gravel terrain in low visibility.
The World's Deepest Marathon showcased human potential and demonstrated the capacity to achieve extraordinary things. It was a testament to courage, determination, and the willingness to push beyond perceived boundaries. The event also highlighted the advancements in responsible mining practices, emphasizing safety and innovation within the industry.
