Marathon, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marathon, Iowa
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Location of Marathon, Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Buena Vista |
| Incorporated | October 31, 1892 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.75 sq mi (1.94 km2) |
| • Land | 0.75 sq mi (1.94 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,391 ft (424 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 230 |
| • Density | 307.08/sq mi (118.51/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
50565
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| Area code(s) | 712 |
| FIPS code | 19-49260 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0458792 |
Marathon is a small city located in Buena Vista County, Iowa, in the United States. In 2020, about 230 people lived there. A famous food writer named Richard Olney grew up in Marathon.
For many years, from 1996 to 2017, Marathon was known for its running events. Every June, the city hosted a marathon, a half-marathon, and a 5k race. These races were officially recognized by USA Track and Field. This meant that runners could use their times to qualify for the famous Boston Marathon.
Contents
Exploring Marathon's Past
The city of Marathon got its name from a very old and important battle. This battle was called the Battle of Marathon. A post office opened in Marathon in 1882, which helped the community grow. The city was officially established on October 31, 1892.
Marathon's Location and Landscape
Marathon is located in Iowa at coordinates 42.860021 degrees North and -94.981731 degrees West. The North Raccoon River actually starts its journey just north of Marathon.
The United States Census Bureau reports that the city covers a total area of about 0.74 square miles (1.94 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no water.
Who Lives in Marathon?
| Historical populations | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1900 | 659 | — |
| 1910 | 532 | −19.3% |
| 1920 | 520 | −2.3% |
| 1930 | 573 | +10.2% |
| 1940 | 597 | +4.2% |
| 1950 | 565 | −5.4% |
| 1960 | 516 | −8.7% |
| 1970 | 447 | −13.4% |
| 1980 | 442 | −1.1% |
| 1990 | 320 | −27.6% |
| 2000 | 302 | −5.6% |
| 2010 | 237 | −21.5% |
| 2020 | 230 | −3.0% |
| Source: and Iowa Data Center Source: |
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Population in 2020
In 2020, the city of Marathon had 230 people living there. There were 113 households and 65 families. The population density was about 307 people per square mile (118.5 people per square kilometer).
Most of the people living in Marathon were White (91.7%). A small number were Black or African American (1.3%). About 9.1% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Marathon was 47.1 years old. About 20.9% of residents were under 20 years old. Also, 19.6% were 65 years old or older. The city had slightly more males (52.2%) than females (47.8%).
Population in 2010
Back in 2010, Marathon had 237 people. There were 121 households in the city. The population density was about 320 people per square mile (123.6 people per square kilometer).
Most residents were White (98.7%). About 2.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino. The average age was 49.5 years. About 19.4% of residents were under 18 years old. Also, 22.4% were 65 or older.
Learning in Marathon
Marathon is part of the Laurens–Marathon Community School District. Before 1976, it had its own school district called the Marathon Community School District. This district then joined with Laurens.
Since 2017, high school students from the Laurens–Marathon district attend Pocahontas Area High School.
See also
In Spanish: Marathon (Iowa) para niños
