With just two days remaining, excitement is mounting for the World’s Deepest Marathon, an unprecedented event taking place 1,120 metres underground at Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc mine in Sweden — one of the most advanced mining sites globally. To build anticipation, a 30-second teaser film has been unveiled. Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top five silver producers, is the official partner for this extraordinary feat.
On October 25, 60 participants from 18 countries — including CEOs, mining leaders, charity representatives, and amateur runners — will attempt to complete the marathon in an extreme underground setting, raising USD 1 million for charitable causes. Representing Hindustan Zinc will be Arun Misra (CEO) and Kishore S (COO), joining other global industry figures and adventurers in this record-setting run.
Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, remarked, “We at Hindustan Zinc believe in constantly challenging boundaries — in human capability, safety standards, and technology. The World’s Deepest Marathon symbolizes endurance, innovation, and the transformation defining the modern mining industry. As a member of ICMM, we are proud to support this inspiring initiative that celebrates resilience and progress. I’m excited to join my peers in this symbolic event that unites the global mining community in its pursuit of sustainable excellence.”
This collaboration reflects Hindustan Zinc’s broader commitment to sports, wellness, and community development. Earlier this year, the company hosted the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur, drawing over 7,000 participants to champion fitness and social inclusion under the #RunForZeroHunger initiative by Nandghar – An Anil Agarwal Foundation project.
Beyond marathons, Hindustan Zinc fosters sports talent through initiatives such as the Zinc Football Academy (AIFF 3-Star Accredited), Zinc Football Girls Academy – India’s first residential tech-based girls’ program, and the AIFF Zinc Blue Cubs League, all aimed at empowering youth and building strong local sporting ecosystems. The company’s participation in this global marathon underscores its dedication to human endurance, sustainability, and innovation — above and below the surface. Organizers BecomingX, ICMM, and Boliden have confirmed that the event will be an Official Attempt to set two Guinness World Records the Deepest Marathon (1,120m below sea level) and The Deepest Underground Marathon Distance Run (Team)
Paul Gurney, CEO of BecomingX, said, “This event is far more than just a marathon — it celebrates human courage and the drive to go beyond the ordinary. Attempting two world records in such an extreme setting captures the true spirit of resilience while also showcasing the safety and innovation that modern mining represents.”
Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO of ICMM, added, “Running a full marathon inside an operational mine highlights the progress our sector has made in health, safety, and technology. This event allows us to show the world what responsible mining truly looks like — resilient, innovative, and people-centric.”
Renowned ultra-marathon coach and nine-time Guinness World Record holder Rory Coleman remarked, “I’ve run everywhere — but never inside the Earth. This challenge will be the toughest many of us have ever faced, yet it proves how advanced and safe today’s mines have become.” BecomingX is a purpose-driven learning and development organization dedicated to helping individuals and companies realize their potential, while ICMM works to advance responsible mining through safety, transparency, and sustainable practices.
Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188, NSE: HINDZINC), a Vedanta Group company, holds a 77% market share in India’s primary zinc sector and exports to over 40 countries. Recognized by S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the second consecutive year, Hindustan Zinc recently became the first Indian member of ICMM. The company also introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand, and is certified as a 3.32x Water-Positive organization, aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Through extensive social initiatives impacting 2.3 million lives, Hindustan Zinc continues to play a pivotal role in India’s journey toward a cleaner, stronger, and more inclusive future.
