Runners descend 1 120 metres into darkness for world’s deepest marathon

SWEDEN – No one had previously attempted a marathon at such depths, but on 25 October, 55 intrepid runners took on an extraordinary challenge to complete the deepest marathon ever run. They descended to a staggering 1 120 metres below sea level to run 42,2 kilometres within the Garpenberg Zinc Mine in Sweden.

Participants endured temperatures of 24°C and 72% humidity, running in total silence and complete darkness with only head torches for illumination. As they were running inside an active mine, runners were equipped with personal protective equipment, including safety helmets, and had to navigate using 3D route mapping.

Poised to set two Guinness World Records, the event also sought to raise funds for the BecomingX Foundation and Wild at Heart Foundation. The Guinness World Records set were for the deepest marathon and the deepest underground marathon distance run by a team.

South African participant ‘truly proud’

Among the South African contingent was Ledile Dikgale, a mining section manager at Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine in the Northern Cape. Reflecting on the marathon, the 34-year-old avid runner described her achievement as life-changing.

“This is one of the most important achievements of my life. I am truly proud and exhilarated,” she said. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a historic event and, furthermore, to carry out the noble act of fundraising for charity.

“I was approached by Kumba’s executive leadership to run on behalf of our CEO Mpumi Zikalala and started preparing accordingly. With support from my running community, I completed training runs in the dark. As part of my preparations, I conditioned my body for the high underground temperatures by conducting afternoon runs.”

Dikgale ran alongside CEOs from mining companies, professional services executives, environmental experts, technology entrepreneurs, charity workers and others. Spanning ages from their 20s to 60s and representing 18 countries, this diverse group was united by shared resilience, adventure and willingness to step far outside their comfort zones. Some of the other South Africans who joined her, are Edison Makheta of South Deep, Gold Fields; William Leshilo of AngloGold Ashanti.

Event captured spirit of exploration

The World’s Deepest Marathon was hosted by Boliden, owners of Garpenberg Mine. As one of the world’s safest mining companies, Boliden ensured safety remained paramount. Besides personal protective equipment, runners had access to rescue chambers and adhered to stringent protocols designed to protect them in this unique subterranean environment.

Organised by learning specialists BecomingX – co-founded by adventurers Bear Grylls and Paul Gurney – alongside the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), this historic endeavour captured the spirit of exploration and human resilience. Organisers said it proved that limits can be redefined and demonstrated humanity’s capacity for extraordinary achievements.

The event also showcased modern mining at Boliden, a company aiming to lead an industry where cutting-edge operations and safety protocols made running a full marathon 1,120 metres underground possible.

Another such a marathon? ‘Just maybe’

Dikgale extended gratitude to Kumba Iron Ore’s executive leadership for nominating her, whilst also thanking family, friends and her running community for encouragement and prayers.

“Ledile’s achievement powerfully reminds us of the courage and grit that define our people at Kumba and testament to the incredible potential within our teams,” said Zikalala. “We are incredibly proud of her for representing our business and country with such heart, discipline and determination.”

The event raised $600,000 for the two selected charities.

When asked whether such a marathon would be held again, organisers said: “Maybe. Just maybe. The feedback has been extraordinary, and so many people have asked us—perhaps we will do this again. It’s an extraordinarily complex event requiring almost nine months of planning, but if we do it again, we’ll go deeper and aim to break the world record once more.”

Visit worldsdeepestmarathon.com for more information.

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