Community

History of
Marathon City

In 1856, a colonization scheme was planned by members of the Catholic Church Society in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They organized "The Pittsburgh German Homestead Society," each paying into a common treasury a sum of $110 in return for 80 acres of land.

The Pittsburgh German Homestead Society elected a committee that proceeded to Wisconsin to locate land for the society. This committee arrived at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in 1856. They went to the Federal Land Office and took up 3,000 acres for the society in township 28, range 6 east (which is the description of the present town of Marathon).

Our Present Community

The Marathon Area Business Association believes in promoting and maintaining a strong community. We believe a healthy attitude toward family and neighbors contributes to an equally healthy business climate. That’ s why the MABA is a key supporter of the Marathon School District.

Marathon Fun Days & Holly Days

The MABA also is a key sponsor of Marathon Fun Days, and is the founder and organizer of the annual Holly Days seasonal Christmas-season celebration.

Motorycycle Fun Run for Special Olympics

Marathon is also proud to be the starting point for the annual Motorcycle Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics held every year in late May. Special Olympic athletes around north central Wisconsin benefited from $18,000 raised during the fourth annual Motorcycle Fun Run held May 2006. The Fun Run fielded 92 motorcycles and 150 participants for its 100-mile route that wound through Jay Stadium in Merrill, where regional Special Olympics competition was being held. Special Olympians, and others in attendance, were visibly thrilled as the bikes rumbled through the stadium. More than 900 Special Olympic athletes will benefit from the event, which will fund year-round training and competition for these special athletes.