The world premiere of the documentary World’s Deepest Marathon captivated hundreds on the second day of the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026.
The film chronicles an extraordinary, record-breaking underground marathon, featuring both novice and seasoned runners from 20 mining companies, as they confront darkness, silence, and the physical challenges of running 1,119 meters below sea level.
Filmed inside Sweden’s Garpenberg zinc mine, the documentary tells a compelling story of courage, endurance, and teamwork. The marathon, held in October 2025, saw 55 runners from 17 countries attempt the deepest marathon ever run, hosted by Boliden, a high-tech metals company. The challenge aimed to celebrate human potential, change perceptions of mining, and raise funds for multiple charities, ultimately generating over £1 million.
Runners navigated 11 laps of a 3.84km underground course with gravel floors, no natural light, and temperatures reaching 28°C, equipped with reflective running gear, helmets, and headtorches. BecomingX co-founder Bear Grylls emphasized the broader message of the event: