The town and village of Marathon lie on the eastern edge of Cortland County, 14 miles southeast of the City of Cortland and 30 miles north of Binghamton. Interstate 81 and US Route 11 run through the town. Exit 9 from Interstate 81 enters directly into Marathon. The Tioughnioga River runs through the town and village. Marathon is primarily rural.
History
The earliest settlers in the Town of Marathon before the year 1818 were really settling in the southeast corner of Cincinnatus Township. This tract of land, numbered and allotted by ballot, was set aside for veterans of the Revolutionary War. In 1818 Marathon was formed from the Military Township of Cincinnatus and named Harrison. The name was changed to Marathon in 1828 since there was another town named Harrison in the state. Dr. Japeth Hunt, a retired army surgeon from New England, was the first settler in 1794. He, his wife and three children canoed up the Tioughnioga River and landed about a mile south of the present village of Marathon. They built their house on rising ground, above the river. A number of depressions in close proximity were later discovered to be burial sites of Native Americans.
Marathon grew slowly, but steadily, with commercial enterprises, tanneries, taverns, and real estate. The opening of the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad in 1894 further spurred industrial and commercial growth.
Population
According to the most recent census estimates, 1,988 people live in the town of Marathon, in a land area of 24.98 square miles. 1,033 people live in the village. The median age in both village and town is 30.6. There are 843 families in the town and village.
Physical Characteristics
Natural Resources: The primary natural resources are farmland, forests, and the Tioughnioga River.
Developed Resources: Marathon Town and Village have over 6,900 acres in agricultural land. They have four industrial properties, and 52 parcels of commercial land.
The Village of Marathon: The Tioughnioga River is the major topographical feature in the Village. The village is the center of the Town with its schools, churches and commercial enterprises.
Industry Characteristics: Agriculture is the main industry in Marathon. OMCBG, Inc. manufacturing aluminum canoes, employs between 50 and 100 people. The town and village have numerous commercial, retail, and service businesses. Marathon has its own Business Association.
Transportation: The main highways serving Marathon are US Route 11 and Interstate 81. Major regional airports are located in Syracuse and Binghamton. Cortland County Municipal Airport is use for small, private planes. Greyhound, Trailways and Onenonta provide inter state bus service. Cortland County Bus Lines provide local service.
Community Facilities and Service
Utilities: The Marathon Lighting Plant supplies electric power. The Municipality of Marathon provides water and secondary sewage treatment. Many homes have their own wells.
Education: Marathon Elementary School, Marathon High School and Marathon Christian Academy provide educational services. SUNY Cortland, Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College, Syracuse University and Lemoyne College are within driving distance.
Fire/Emergency: The State Police and the Sheriff's Department provide protection. The Marathon Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection. Marathon is serviced by the emergency number 911.
Health Care: For full hospital services, the nearest location is the Cortland Regional Medical Center in the City of Cortland. Home health care services are available from five organizations out of the City of Cortland.
Recreation Attractions: The town and Village have several fine recreation fields and golf courses. The Village is close to Greek Peak Ski Area and Dorchester Park in Whitney Point. The Maple Festival, held every April, draws thousands of people to Marathon. The fall Old Time Fair is smaller, but a well-established festival.
Banks: Alliance Bank has a branch office in Marathon.
Hotels and Motels: Three Bear Inn and Motel is situated near the exit of Interstate 81.
Land Use Plans and Regulations
Marathon Village and Town have a planning board, zoning ordinances, a master plan developed in 1971, and building codes adhering to local zoning and state laws.