In a meeting of endurance, engineering and adventure, 60 runners from 18 countries will descend more than a kilometre below the surface this weekend to take part in the World’s Deepest Marathon — an event that’s turning Boliden’s Garpenberg zinc mine in Sweden into the world’s most extreme running track.

Set 1 120 m below the sea level, the race will be a double Guinness World Record attempt for both the Deepest Marathon and the Deepest Underground Marathon Distance Run (Team).

The event brings together CEOs, mining leaders, charity workers and first-time marathoners, all united by a goal to raise $1-million for charity.

Organised by BecomingX, ICMM and Boliden, the event showcases how far the mining industry has come in terms of technology, safety and innovation.

“The World’s Deepest Marathon is about so much more than running,” said BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney. “It’s about showcasing what humans are capable of when we dare to go beyond the ordinary. Attempting to break two Guinness World Records in such a unique environment captures the spirit of adventure and resilience, which BecomingX is all about.”

Edison Makhetha, environmental engineering superviser at Gold Fields’ South Deep mine in South Africa, will represent Gold Fields when he takes on this momentous marathon alongside 59 other runners. These intrepid runners will test their endurance in temperatures of up to 30°C while running in silence and darkness, with only head torches for light.

ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan added that the event underscored the transformation of modern mining. “Being able to run a full marathon in a working underground mine highlights how far the industry has come in terms of health, safety and technological innovation,” he said.

“Welcoming participants from around the world to test their stamina and resilience in this unique environment is an amazing opportunity to showcase what modern, responsible mining looks like.”

Adding some digital flair to the underground action, popular Minecraft creator Seapeekay will livestream parts of the race, even taking to the gravel himself for a lap. “I’ve been playing Minecraft my whole adult life, but this will actually be my first time in a mine!” he said.

“Experiencing it in real life and sharing it live with my 600 000 YouTube subscribers and Twitch streamers is going to be an amazing adventure.”

Ultra-marathon coach and nine-time Guinness World Record holder Rory Coleman summed it up best: “I’ve run all over the world – but never in it.”

When the starting gun fires deep below Sweden on Saturday, the world will be watching – from the surface and online – as runners, miners and gamers attempt to make history.