The Participants

Jonathan is the President and CEO of Teck Resources - a leading Canadian resource company focused on responsibly producing the metals essential for global development and the energy transition. He has worked at Board / ExCo level across a range of roles with passion for transformational change and organisational culture.

Mikael Staffas is the President and CEO of Boliden since 2018. He has been a member of the top management group at Boliden since 2011, first as CFO and then as Head of Business Area Mines.

Mikael is the Chairman of the boards of the International Zinc Association and the Employers' Association of the Swedish Mining Industry. Deputy Chairman of SveMin and the Swedish Association of Industrial Employers. Member of the Executive Board of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and member of the boards of International Copper Association, ICMM, Industrikraft, SNS and Kemira.

Gareth’s executive career was with De Beers, where he was CEO. He is now chairman of Ninety One asset management, which has substantial mining investments and Enquest, which specialises in decom of late life oil and gas assets.

Corinne Smit is Newmont’s Global Head of Sales & Marketing. She has over two decades of experience in senior managerial roles within mining. In 2024, Corinne was recognized as a WIM100 “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining”. Corinne loves a fitness challenge, having completed multiple half iron man races and century road biking events!

Rohitesh “Ro” Dhawan is the President and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). He leads the Council of 24 CEOs of the world’s largest mining & metals companies in voluntary leadership actions that raise the standards of responsible mining. He serves on various Boards and is Chair of the BecomingX Foundation. He is married to Marisha and they share a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of street dogs around the world.

Faheem is the Co-Founder of Lori - a technology start-up empowering people to navigate life with autoimmune conditions. Before that he spent 11 years at M&C Saatchi where he was a Partner & Managing Director.

Paul is the Founder and CEO of BecomingX, a learning and development company he set up with Bear Grylls to create a world where everyone can realise their potential. He works with some of the world’s most inspiring and iconic people to demystify what it takes to succeed and to help people build the confidence and skills to succeed. Despite having done many adventures, running is far from his forte.

Marie-Cécile is Mineral Resources Manager at Orano Mining, leading her team in geological modelling and resource estimation. She works internationally across commodities like uranium, nickel, manganese, copper, and gold. Her experience includes underground, open-pit, and exploration stages of mining. For nearly two decades, she’s maintained a regular running routine – though has never run a marathon, or in a mine!

Marco leads the Accenture mining industry practice. Marco is Brazilian and Portuguese and has lived in the UK, Belgium, and Colombia over the years. He is an enthusiast of cycling and running and has a passion for cooking.

Anaïs is a 30-year-old HR professional based in France. She has been working for the past two years at Sibanye-Stillwater as an HR Business Partner for Europe. Passionate about sports, she trains regularly through running, indoor cycling and yoga. Dedicated and goal-oriented, she integrates sport into a balanced lifestyle, using it as a way to challenge herself and maintain both physical and mental resilience.

Will works for ICMM, advancing environmental sustainability across the mining industry and its value chains. Passionate about creating positive social and environmental impact, his interests include biodiversity conservation and restoration, harnessing the power of circularity, and transforming the systems that drive the climate and biodiversity crises. He enjoys spending time outside - whether it's hiking, playing sports, or meeting new people (even if that’s 1,120 meters below sea-level!).

John works for ICMM as their Policy & Government Affairs Principal, leading efforts with governments and intergovernmental organisations towards making responsible practices in the mining sector normative. Prior to this, he spent 10 years in the world of energy, driven by his passion to bring abundant, clean and affordable energy to every corner of the world. However, John is happiest when outdoors and hiking amongst his beloved mountains - be it in his native Scandinavia, Scotland, or the Himalayas - or navigating the madness of London's roads on his bike. Having grown up in a family of endurance sports fanatics, being part of this record-breaking attempt fills him with such excitement - and nerves!

Ralph has been working in the mining industry for over 30 years and currently serves as the Supply and Commercial VP for MINSUR. Through some medical episodes, he has learned that mental strength and dedication are essential for achieving great goals. Running’s not only his way of staying in good shape; he also finds it the perfect time for relaxing, organising his thoughts, and demonstrating that everything is possible when you love what you do. As always, this amazing experience is dedicated to his lovely wife and kids.

William is proudly South African, married with two boys. He has a professional mining industry background specialising in Sustainability spanning over 30 years, eleven of which have been with AngloGold Ashanti. He is an avid runner having started his running hobby in 2017. To date he has completed 7 Comrades marathons (90km) and a number of Ultra and standard marathons. Running is his passion, a way to introspect, reinvigorate and reflect. He is looking forward to participating in the deepest underground marathon in the world. This offers an exciting challenge.

Wilfred is Head of Technical for Newmont. Before taking on this role he was the General Manager of several of the operations in the Americas. He loves endurance sports for the challenge and the freedom of being in nature. This underground marathon marks the end of a comeback from breaking a hip in a bike accident.

Benjamin is a keen enthusiast of both running events and mining operations. He studied Earth Science at Oxford University and has experience working on mines in Southern Africa. Currently he is working with London based mining houses at Morgan Stanley.

Josephine is Standards Manager at ICMM, where she has worked for 4 years. She is passionate about driving positive impact at scale within the mining industry, and she sees this as a great opportunity to help reshape public perceptions of mining and support two remarkable charities.

Augustus is a professional dog runner, passionate animal lover, and endurance athlete based in London. In 2025 he’s taking on the incredible challenge of running from John O'groats to Land's End to raise money for the superb Wild at Heart foundation. When not training or running with his canine clients, he enjoys life in London and what the city has to offer.

Terry is the Chief Strategy Officer at the World Gold Council and has broad experience across the gold supply chain. Prior to joining the World Gold Council, Terry was a Principal at Marakon Associates, a leading strategy consultancy. He's (some of the time) looking forward to running his first marathon!

Tricia is the Group Head of Social Impact for Anglo American and has been with the company for more than 12 years, based in London UK. She is taking on this challenge because she thinks it can be a powerful way to change perceptions about mining, about women in mining and what is possible when you have the support of courageous colleagues.

Greg is a scientist with a strong interest in climate solutions and expertise on energy technology and the energy transition. He has worked in the field of nuclear fusion for 15 years before switching to the non-profit sector. He is currently Chief Scientist at Quadrature Climate Foundation.

A seasoned ultra runner, he is looking forward to this new challenge.

Nicolas is CEO of Orano, involved in all the steps of the nuclear fuel cycle, from mining to spent fuel reprocessing.

A running enthusiast, he has already run 10 marathons - but never in an underground mine!

A proud dual US-Canada Citizen, Chris was raised in Europe and Asia. Today, home is Seattle, in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he lives with his wife, MaiKhoi, and 9 yr old son, Cole. Chris is an active CrossFitter, snowboarder and mountain biker. When not spending time outdoors or with Cole, he leads the global mining and metals practice for Egon Zehnder.

Chris has run a half marathon before, but this will be his first full. He is fired up to do this with a great crew and to raise awareness for mine safety and in support of BecomingX and Wild at Heart. LET’S GO!!

Nicolas is the Country Manager for Accenture in Spanish-speaking South America, where he works with amazing teams to help organisations grow and transform. But beyond the office, he’s a passionate runner. He’s completed several marathons including five of the World Marathon Majors and taken on several ultramarathons—including the unforgettable Marathon des Sables. Running is his way to stay grounded, challenge himself, and connect with others who share this crazy love for going the distance.

Fabiano Burns is the Director of Briquette and Pellets Operations at Vale, where he has proudly worked since 2002. He is married to Bianca and is the father of Maria and George. Outside of his professional role, Fabiano is passionate about endurance sports, with a focus on marathons and long-distance triathlons, including Ironman races.

Fabian is the Co-founder of aosenuma, a strategic sustainability consultancy based in Mexico City and committed to driving positive impact within the mining and energy industries. He is passionate about social innovation and entrepreneurship with a career rooted in purpose-driven work.

Running is a meaningful new chapter in his life, one that has helped him deepen friendships and embrace a healthier lifestyle. He wants this team challenge to be an example of effort and perservarance for his 3 children, Paloma, Almudena and Joaquin.

Toni is a technology degree apprentice and a proud member of the Alpine Run Project, a community that gives young people from inner-cities access to incredible trail running opportunities.

With a background in sprinting during her childhood, Toni took up long-distance running in 2024 and fell in love with the challenge. She’s passionate about the sport, the sense of community it creates, pushing her own limits and is looking forward to running her first marathon!

Claudio works in the El Teniente division of Codelco, Chile. He is currently the divisions Operations Manager.

One of Claudio’s favourite sports is running. He has run approximately 65 marathons and is delighted to connect sports with mining. Key elements include discipline, respect, and collaboration. He hopes it will be a great experience.

Claire is a 23-year old trail runner from London, UK. She is super excited to be representing the Alpine Run Project at the World’s Deepest Marathon!

Edison is married and blessed with two kids. He is a keen runner and has completed 5 Comrades Ultra Marathons, of which his best time was in 9 hours 48 minutes. In addition, he has completed the Two Ocean Ultra Marathons 3 times and countless other marathons.

He has been working for Gold Fields since 2013 and is based at South Deep working as Ventilation Officer in the Environmental Engineering Department. When he is not chasing the wind on surface, he is chasing it underground by surveying the air velocities and temperatures. He is also a keen coordinator of South Deeps wellness days. Running is his life. It brings him happiness. Coaching others also brings him joy as it change's lives. Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

Ignacio Bustamante is 54, married, a father of 5 amazing kids, with over 3 decades in the mining business.

He has run New York (2013) and Chicago (2015) marathons and is looking forward to his third one!

Rory is the UK’s leading ultra-marathon coach. He has run an incredible 1,217 marathons, 289 ultra marathons, and 18 Marathon Des Sables - more than any other British competitor. He also currently holds 9 Guinness World Records. 

31 years on from a New Year’s resolution he made to clean up his life, he has truly earned the title ‘Marathon Man’. We’re thrilled that Rory will be offering training advice to all participants.

Ledile is a 34-year-old vibrant, energetic mother of 8-year-old son Botlhokwa. She has over a decade of experience in mining, including underground gold and platinum and iron ore commodities. She is currently employed by Anglo American, Kumba Iron Ore at Sishen Mine as a Section Manager: Mining.

Mika is the Process Engineer in Boliden Kokkola. He has worked in the mining and metals industry for about 15 years, of which 7 years in Kokkola. He has been doing ultra trail running for over 10 years and has completed various long races in Finland and abroad. He has suffered from an injury since last October, but finally is recovering and running again. Completing the legendary TOR330 in the Italian Alps is still a big dream before The World’s Deepest Marathon. He has also found a new hobby in swimming and is trying to complete the 8km open water swim course in early July. He also completed a 470km gravel bike race.

Pedro, 36, has been working at Somincor since 2008. He is part of the Projects Department as a Designer, Quality and Project Documentation.

He has been involved in sports all his life, but a lot has changed since his first daughter, Anita, who is now 6 years old, was born. Now, with the birth of his second daughter, Madalena, who is 7 months old, it has been impossible to do sports regularly without the help of his wife Núria. Family support has been extremely important.

When it comes to sports, he likes to challenge himself to get out his comfort zone. It will always be an integral part of his life. Just like his family who have always supported him and accompanied him on all his adventures.

Sini is 42 and has worked in Boliden Harjavalta as a lab technician for 10 years now. Her job includes analysing different kinds of samples with various methods. During her free time she enjoys running (all year round), walking, gravel cycling, skiing, strolling through museums and listening to music. Animal welfare is close to her heart and she’s really glad that part of the donations are going in that direction. 

She has run a couple of half marathons and two full marathons; the last one was this year in Stockholm. She’s really happy that she gets the chance to participate in this adventure, the worlds deepest marathon! A whole new experience.

John is currently working in Boliden Tara mines. He has spent some time in Australia working in both underground and surface mines.

This will be his third marathon and his second this year. He can’t wait to get going!

Nathalie has worked in the mining industry for 14 years, taking on various roles over the years. Today, she coordinates maintenance shutdowns. Alongside her mining career, she’s also had a long run as a professional jockey — with three Swedish Championship selections and three consecutive Rider of the Year awards. She enjoys training in diverse ways and never shies away from a challenge. Next up: the world’s deepest marathon.

For 8 years Johannes has been at Boliden's Mines Technology Department and is currently Head of Process Control and Analysis, leading a team that helps mines and mills optimize their productivity.

His passion is mountainbiking (XC), and that's where most of his training hours and race starts are focused. He combines that with squash and trail running.

In all honesty, he believes a marathon is too long a distance to run, but this unique opportunity was simply too enticing not to pursue — he looks forward to exploring the dark places in the mine, and the mind.

Peder works as a unit manager at the Rönnskär smelter and has been part of the operation for 17 years. He lives with his partner and their two children. Training has always been a natural part of Peder’s life – a passion that has followed him for as long as he can remember.

During the pandemic, when gyms were closed, he discovered endurance sports in a new way. That’s when cross-country skiing entered the picture – the perfect combination of physical challenge and being out in nature. Since then, he has completed two Vasaloppet races.

Now he’s facing his first marathon. But this isn’t just any marathon. Peder is looking forward to testing his limits and experiencing something truly extraordinary.

Max is the Production Manager in Boliden Garpenberg.

He has been working in the mine since 2015, earlier in Dannemora mine.

At home, there is a wonderful family consisting of partner Jenny and children Selma and Astrid.

Max completed his first Vasaloppet 2019. Now he has completed five Vasaloppet, 2024 a full Swedish Classic and 2025 Stockholm Marathon.

He’s looking forward to challenging himself and running his first race in a mining environment, WDM.

Robin is a simple, humble process operator from northern Sweden. He has over 12 years of experience in the mining industry for Boliden who are always up for a challenge, including this madness.

Erik Månsson is 36 years old, working as a waste management engineer in the department Dams and Water management in Garpenberg.

He is happy to have the chance to run in the World´s Deepest Marathon and run for Garpenberg mine. He has previously only run marathons above ground and is up for the challenge of going under ground to contribute to the Becomingx Foundation and Wild at Heart Foundation.

Lovisa, 21, has been working at Boliden’s mine in Garpenberg since she left school two years ago. She works in production as a mining worker and has been involved in building part of the tunnel we will be running in.

She has an active background as a horse girl, but has also participated in a few races, including up to half marathons.

Now, the next big challenge awaits, and she’s looking forward to running the world’s deepest marathon this fall.

Andrea is an environmental specialist at Teck Quebrada Blanca Mining Company, supporting the operation at 4,400 meters above sea level in the Chilean Altiplano.

She has completed seven marathons, including three World Marathon Majors—London, Chicago, and Boston. Andrea has also run numerous half marathons and trail races. A passionate mountaineer and scuba diver, she now looks forward to taking on the challenge of running the world’s deepest marathon.

James is the Global Head of Business Change for the Marketing (Trading) division of Glencore. Hailing from the UK, he now lives in Switzerland with his wife and two daughters.

A keen mountain runner through his late teens to mid 20s, James has raced in several marathons across Europe, but not for nearly a decade, and never underground! He loves running in the wide-open spaces of the Swiss alps, so this should prove an interesting challenge!

Michael is the Climate Change Lead at Glencore South Africa and a passionate advocate for sustainability—both in his professional role and personal life.

Reflecting the endurance needed to drive climate action, he’s completed the iconic Comrades Marathon seven times. His running journey began in Tete, Mozambique, while working on mining infrastructure—where his twin passions for resilience and responsible development first aligned and deeply connected (pun intended).