Marathon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Brewster County, Texas, United States. The population was 410 at the 2020 census, down from 430 in 2010, 470 in 2007, and 455 in 2000. Marathon services tourists traveling to Big Bend National Park.

History

In 1927 local rancher Alfred S. Gage commissioned El-Paso architect Henry Trost to build a hotel in Marathon. The Gage Hotel opened in 1927, and also served as Gage’s office until his death a year later. In 2022 Joe Holley of the Houston Chronicle wrote that Marathon is "proud to be the un-Marfa."

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.2 sqmi, all land.

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Marathon has a semiarid climate, BSk on climate maps.

Demographics

Marathon was first listed as a census designated place in the 2000 U.S. Census.

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 410 people, 217 households, and 174 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 455 people, 198 households and 126 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 86.6 PD/sqmi. There were 287 housing units at an average density of 54.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.42% White, 0.88% African American, 13.19% from other races, and 3.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 53.19% of the population. There were 198 households, of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.87. The age distribution was 21.1% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 17.1% from 25 to 44, 33.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.7 males. The median household income was $22,273, and the median family income was $27,500. Males had a median income of $22,500 versus $20,938 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,884. About 13.2% of families and 23.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 46.7% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

Places of interest

J.P. Bryan purchased the vacant Gage Hotel in 1978, which underwent a renovation and re-opened in 1982. The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Bryan also acquired other buildings to further develop the town. The town was also a filming location for the movie Paris, Texas directed by Wim Wenders. The 1985 Kevin Costner film, Fandango, shot scenes in Marathon.

Transportation

Marathon is located at the junction of U.S. Route 90 and U.S. Route 385. US 90 runs east-west through town along 1st St., leading 30 miles (48 km) west to Alpine and 53 miles (85 km) east to Sanderson. US 385 runs north-south, leading 40 miles (64 km) south to the entrance to Big Bend National Park near the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and 58 miles (93 km) north to Fort Stockton. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited passes through the town on Union Pacific tracks without stopping, with the nearest station located 30 miles (48 km) northwest in Alpine. The closest commercial airline service is available at Midland International Air and Space Port (IATA: MAF, ICAO: KMAF, FAA LID: MAF), 154 miles (248 km) to the northeast.

Education

Marathon is served by Marathon Independent School District for grades K-12. Brewster County is within the Odessa College District for community college.

Government and infrastructure

Marathon Post Office is operated by the United States Postal Service.

Earthquake

On April 14, 1995, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake occurred near Marathon. As of 2008, this was the second-largest earthquake recorded in Texas.