Taking marathon running to another level. History awaits.
The Challenge
In October 2025, 30 intrepid runners will take on an extraordinary challenge: to break the Guinness World Record for the deepest marathon ever run. Covering 42.2km within the Garpenberg Zinc Mine in Sweden, they will descend to a staggering depth of 1,400 metres below sea level. No one has attempted a marathon at this depth before. Participants will endure temperatures of up to 30c, total silence and will be running in complete darkness with only their head torches for light.
This pioneering event is being hosted by Boliden, owners of Garpenberg Mine and the headline sponsor of the ‘World’s Deepest Marathon’. As one of the world’s safest mining companies, Boliden has ensured that safety remains paramount. Runners will be equipped with personal protective equipment and have access to rescue chambers, adhering to stringent protocols designed to protect them in this unique subterranean environment.
Organised by learning and development specialists BecomingX, co-founded by adventurers Bear Grylls and Paul Gurney and the International Council for Mining and Metals, this historic endeavour captures the spirit of exploration and human resilience, and proves that limits can always be redefined. From the depths of the earth, these trailblazers will push beyond physical and mental boundaries to make history in one of the most extreme environments imaginable.
Fundraising
The World’s Deepest Marathon aims to raise $1m for two charities, BecomingX Foundation and Wild at Heart. Each company that has nominated a participant has made the commitment to helping you raise $30,000 so you will be supported (e.g. corporate communications, employee and corporate donations).
BECOMINGX FOUNDATION
Helping young people in Africa to build the aspirations and skills to succeed.
WILD AT HEART FOUNDATION
Providing life-saving and critical care to animals in need around the world.
BecomingX is proud to partner with ICMM to organise the ‘World’s Deepest Marathon’ - an event that embodies our message that we all have the potential to achieve extraordinary things. This will be a true test of resilience and, mental and physical focus. Running a marathon is tough, but doing it 1,400 metres underground, in total silence and darkness, will push participants to their limits. This is about more than breaking a Guinness World Record - it’s about proving what’s possible when we dare to push beyond our perceived boundaries and into the unknown.