Marathon, IA

Marathon is a city in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States. The 2020 census counted 230 residents. The food writer Richard Olney grew up in Marathon. From 1996 to 2017, every year in June, a marathon, half-marathon and 5k were held in the city. The through line in Marathon is the way its history and present-day settings remain visible on the same map. Marathon makes the most sense through those concrete details, with its history still visible in the settings people use today. Marathon was USA Track and Field certified and sanctioned, allowing participants to be eligible to qualify for the Boston Marathon. A post office called Marathon has been in operation since 1882. The name of the city commemorates the Battle of Marathon.