Marathon is a city in Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States. The population was 230 at the time of the 2020 census. The food writer Richard Olney grew up in Marathon. Every year in June in Marathon, a marathon and 5k are held. The Marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. History A post office called Marathon has been in operation since 1882. The name of the city commemorates the Battle of Marathon. Geography Marathon is located at (42.860021, -94.981731). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. Demographics 2010 census At the 2010 census there were 237 people in 121 households, including 62 families, in the city. The population density was . There were 150 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.4% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5%. Of the 121 households 17.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.8% were non-families. 44.6% of households were one person and 21.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.69. The median age was 49.5 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 34.9% were from 45 to 64; and 22.4% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.5% male and 48.5% female. 2000 census At the 2000 census there were 302 people in 138 households, including 77 families, in the city. The population density was . There were 162 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the city was 98.01% White, 0.33% Native American, 1.66% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.65%. Of the 138 households 18.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.2% were non-families. 38.4% of households were one person and 18.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was