UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, and Asia’s first company among International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM), has made history by setting two new Guinness World Records. Its leaders, Arun Misra, Chief Executive Officer, and Kishore Kumar S., Chief Operating Officer, participated in the World’s Deepest Marathon, held 1,120 metres below sea level at Boliden’s Garpenberg Zinc Mine in Sweden.
The event, organised by BecomingX, Boliden, and ICMM, was conducted on October 23, 2025, with Hindustan Zinc serving as the only Indian Official Partner. The underground marathon has officially set two Guinness World Records: The Deepest Marathon (Individual) and The Deepest Underground Marathon Distance Run (Team), making Arun Misra the first Indian to enter the Guinness world record books for these record categories.
Overcoming high humidity, temperatures of up to 30°C, gravel terrain and near-total darkness, 57 runners from 18 countries completed 11 laps of a 3.84 km tunnel to reach the full marathon distance – all with the aim of raising more than $1 million for the BecomingX Foundation and Wild at Heart Foundation, and united by a shared spirit of challenge and adventure.
Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, reflected on the event’s significance: “Participating in the World’s Deepest Marathon was not just an endurance challenge but was a powerful symbol of how the mining industry has evolved. Glad that we at Hindustan Zinc were able to partner in this record-breaking event organised by BecomingX, Boliden, and ICMM. The World’s Deepest Marathon showcased that with safety, technology, and collaboration, we can achieve extraordinary feats even in the world’s most challenging environments.”
With its ICMM membership, Hindustan Zinc enters a new phase of collaboration and thought-leadership — one where India’s perspective on sustainable mining, mineral security and future industrial growth becomes integral to global policy-shaping conversations.
Paul Gurney, CEO of BecomingX, on the record-breaking challenge: “The World’s Deepest Marathon is a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we dare to go beyond the ordinary. Completing this event, and setting not one but two world records, captures the true spirit of adventure and resilience that BecomingX stands for. Running a marathon is tough enough but completing one over a kilometre underground with low visibility and high humidity, is a true testament of the extraordinary capability of humankind. I would like to thank both Boliden and ICMM for believing in this vision and making this event possible.”
Rohitesh Dhawan, CEO of ICMM, on raising awareness of the mining sector: “To host a full marathon underground safely and successfully is a remarkable achievement, and a true testament to the transformation of the mining industry. With air quality in the Garpenberg mine featuring approximately 30 per cent more oxygen than in the atmosphere and fewer pollutants than major cities, the event powerfully demonstrated what modern, responsible mining looks like, and the innovation that sits at its core. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Boliden for opening their world-class Garpenberg mine to this global challenge, and to BecomingX for their collaboration in showcasing mining in such an extraordinary way.”
The marathon reaffirms Hindustan Zinc’s global leadership in sustainable mining and its commitment to fostering fitness, inclusion, and community well-being. This aligns with the company’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur, which drew over 7,000 participants in its second edition to promote fitness and support #RunForZeroHunger. Through programs like the Zinc Football Academy (AIFF 3-Star Accredited), India’s first residential tech-driven Zinc Football Girls Academy, and the AIFF Zinc Blue Cubs League, Hindustan Zinc continues to nurture grassroots talent and build vibrant local sports ecosystems.
Hindustan Zinc’s participation in the World’s Deepest Marathon reinforces its dedication to global partnerships that drive innovation, safety, and sustainable progress. The event stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when human spirit and industry excellence unite.
(India CSR)
