About Marathon
Set in the northwestern part of Iowa, Marathon is a tiny community with an estimated population of 221.
Officially, Marathon is an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 0.75 square miles, giving it wide-open spaces and a spread-out, rural feel at roughly 295 residents per square mile.
📰 Marathon News Today
- John Griggs Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home · May 13
- Every story matters at Dance Marathon, even for volunteers The University of Iowa · Feb 1
- Photos: University of Iowa Dance Marathon 32 raises nearly $1.7 million The Daily Iowan · Feb 7
- Opinion: A lesson in humanity at the Boston Marathon Iowa Public Radio · Apr 25
- PHOTOS: Local runners complete marathon of fun at 55th Midnight Madness Iowa State Daily · Jul 22
Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.
What Makes Marathon Unique
- One of 5 places in the US named Marathon — but the Iowa one has a character all its own.
- Positioned in northwestern Iowa, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
- Part of the fabric of Iowa — one of 1,026 recognized communities statewide.
Why People Love It Here
- Quiet streets and a slower rhythm — the kind of place people move to on purpose.
- Housing dollars stretch further here than in the nearest metro.
- Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 7 miles.
🎡 Fun Things to Do
- L.M. & O. Railroad Museum · Museum
Attractions mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.
⚡ Quick Facts
StateIowa
TypeCity
Population (2024)221
Rank in state#641 of 940
Land area0.75 sq mi
Density295/sq mi
Coordinates42.8602, -94.9829