Editing Marathon-class heavy cruiser

{{Title|''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Infobox/Ships
|name            = ''Marathon''-class
|image           = {{Pageimage|Marathon-class Cruiser.JPG}}[[File:Enc22 SoTP Marathon.png|300px]]
|caption         = 
|modules         = {{Infobox/Ships/Class
|hide-class           = 
|class identification = [[Hull classification symbol]]: '''CA'''{{Ref/Level|Id=H2ACairo|H2A|Cairo Station|Detail=UNSC ''Canberra''{{'}}s hull code can be viewed on Hood's viewscreen.}}{{Ref/Generic|Id=Crate2|Halo Legendary Crate|[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]}}{{Ref/Note|Id=Contention|At least one ''Marathon'', [[C-322]], does not use CA for its hull code.}}
|class operator       = [[UNSC Navy]]
|class manufacturer   = [[SinoViet Heavy Machinery]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=119}}
|class architect      = <!--The naval architect(s) for the class-->
|class built          = <!--How many ships of this class were constructed-->
|class in service     = [[2520]]-present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Note|Id=service|Text=The [[2022]] ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia]]'' established the ''Marathon'' as having been first launched in 2520, which, however, contradicts ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]] - [[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]'' Issue 1, as it depicted several ''Marathon''-class cruisers being present during the [[Operation: TREBUCHET]] in [[2513]], rendering the comic panel depiction dubious.}}
}}
|hide-characteristics=<!--leave blank unless you want to hide the characteristics section header-->
|nocollapse      = yes
|type            = [[Cruiser|Heavy cruiser]]{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=42}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/unsc-cruiser|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=UNSC Cruiser|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}
|length          = {{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|width           = {{Convert|293|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height          = {{Convert|375|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Game|H2|Marathon-class cruiser model data}}
|mass            = 12 million tonnes{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power           = [[Fusion reactor]]
|maneuver drive  = [[Fusion drive]]s (2 primary, 4 secondary)
|slipspace drive = [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=tug|HFS|Detail=Adjunct - [[Tug o' War]]}}
|crew            = <!--Describes crew counts only-->
|complement      = *1,000 personnel{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
|troops          = 
*[[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]]{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR23}}
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]{{Ref/Level|Id=ODST|H3ODST|Prepare to Drop}}
|hull            = {{Convert|191|cm|in|sp=us}} of [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A battle plate]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=251}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=261}}
|shielding       = <!--Describes shielding-->
|sensors         = <!--Describes sensors and whatnot-->
|ew              = <!--Describes electronic warfare capabilities-->
|armaments       = 
*2 [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|49F9A1 MAC]]s{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*70 [[Archer missile|M58 Archer missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*6 [[Sentry autocannon|M66 Sentry autocannons]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*26 [[Longbow missile|M40 Longbow missile pods]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Five [[fusion rocket]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*12 [[M810 Helix point defense guns]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|aircraft        = 
*24 [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} {{C|Carrier refits-only}}{{Ref/Note|Id=Longswords|As this is a very large number of fighters, and it has been stated that UNSC cruisers specifically trade fighter-carrying capacity for armaments and armor, it is likely that this number represents the carrying capacity of the ''Marathon''-class when in its converted light carrier configuration instead of in its standard form.}}
*[[Dropships]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoR23|TFoR|Chapter=23}}
*[[Drop pod]]s{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}}
|air facilities  = <!--Describes hangars and whatnot-->
}}
The '''''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser''' ([[hull classification symbol]]: '''CA'''){{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}} is a classification of [[cruiser]] in service with the [[UNSC Navy]]. Built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}, the ''Marathon''-class is nearly 1.2 kilometers long, heavily armored, and equipped with two [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannons]] and an impressive arsenal of missiles.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}

These vessels were most often deployed in attack and defense roles, serving as the backbone of UNSC fleets, though they were also popular among high-ranking [[UNSC]] officers for use as [[Flagship|command ships]],{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} and were even deployed in rare instances in a [[Carrier|light carrier]] configuration.{{Ref/Book|Id=fb125|Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook|Page=124-125}} They were primarily used during the [[Human-Covenant War]], though their numbers were heavily diminished and only very few remain in service in the conflict's aftermath alongside their successor vessel, the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}}.{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=191}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:HFB-UNSCLeviathan.png|thumb|250px|left|The {{UNSCShip|Leviathan}}, [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]].]]
At {{Convert|1192|m|ft|sp=us}} long,{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} ''Marathon''-class heavy [[cruiser]]s are more than twice the length of a typical [[UNSC frigate|frigate]]. Despite their size, ''Marathon''-class cruisers are dwarfed by most [[Covenant cruiser]] classes.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} As the successor to the ''Halcyon''-class cruiser, these vessels have a similar profile, with a forward 'head' and large engine segment protected by armor cowlings, yet are not not identical and feature a streamlined inwards-slanted underside. The class also sports a thick 191-centimeter hull of [[Titanium-A armor]], enabling it to withstand substantial amounts of fire even from [[plasma]] weaponry.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} By [[2552]] the ''Marathon'' was considered to be one of the more powerful [[warship]]s ever built by [[human]]ity,{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR18|TFoR|Chapter=18}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR25|TFoR|Chapter=25}} outclassing its predecessor in virtually every respect.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}

Like all warships of the UNSC Navy, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers have a degree of operational flexibility that is achieved through the use of modular mission packages and reconfigurable [[hangar bay]]s. Though a rare configuration, these cruisers could be modified and equipped to function as a [[Carrier|light carrier]], sacrificing [[missile]] pods and all of its cargo bays for additional hangar capacity.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}

===Crew and complement===
''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers feature a standard complement of one thousand personnel, and are typically commanded by a [[Captain (NAVCOM)|captain]] or [[Rear Admiral|rear admiral]], often being reserved for [[admiral]]s to use as [[Flagship|command ships]] due to their characteristic durability and firepower.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} They are also known to have the capacity to carry [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] contingents as well as accompanying [[dropship]] transportation.{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR23}}

Cruisers of the ''Marathon'' class are fitted with at least two hangar bays.{{Ref/Comic|Id=Genesis|HWG}}{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=fb|HFB|Detail=Marathon-class Heavy Cruiser in-game unit}} A large deployment bay containing numerous [[M8900 drop pod|M8900 SOEIVs]], referred to by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] as "Hell's waiting room", is located amidships.{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}} Space aboard a ''Marathon'' is optimized to maximize the amount of heavy weapons and armor equipped on each ship, preventing the cruisers from carrying more [[space fighter]]s; despite this, ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers can carry two dozen [[GA-TL1 Longsword]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|Longswords}}

===Armaments===
''Marathon''-class cruisers are considered among the most powerful warships in the UNSC Navy, and have an armament to suit. Their primary armament consists of a heavy [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]];{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} with two 49F9A1 MACs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} This is reinforced with a secondary [[Missile Delivery System]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} consisting of 70 [[Archer missile|M58 Archer]] missile pods, 26 [[Longbow missile|M40 Longbow]] missile pods,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and 5 [[fusion rocket]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} The vessel is also equipped with a series of six [[Sentry autocannon|M66 Sentry]] [[naval autocannon]]s for general anti-ship duties,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and a tertiary [[Point Defense Network]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} of 12 [[M810 Helix point defense gun]]s for close-in defence against [[space fighter]]s, [[dropship]]s, [[boarding craft]], and missiles.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

===Usage===
Due to their durability and firepower, ''Marathon''-class vessels often serve as [[Flagship|command ships]] for a given naval unit.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

Due to its status as a core vessel of the UNSC Navy, the ''Marathon'' is a core component of several of the navy's [[UNSC Navy tactical formations|tactical formations]]. These include:
*'''Barrage Battle Group:''' an informal designation for a single ''Marathon'' escorted by two {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}s, suited as a multi-purpose organisation capable of being assigned to a number of tasks. Barrage groups were generally used to hunt down [[Covenant]] raiders and deal with [[insurrectionist]] uprisings.{{Ref/Site|Id=Shield|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/new-formations-for-halo-fleet-battles|Site=Spartan Games|Page=New Formations for Halo: Fleet Battles|D=25|M=08|Y=2017}}
*'''Cerberus Battle Group:''' a specialist formation consisting of two ''Marathon''s paired together. These formations proved effective in the early stages of the Covenant War, though logistical challenges and a sheer lack of available vessels in the war's later stages made such battle groups hard to field. The long-range firepower available by the twin ''Marathon''s{{'}} combined MACs made these formations a priority target for Covenant hunting parties.{{Ref/Reuse|Shield}}
*'''Cyclops Battle Group:''' a rare configuration which saw ''Marathon''s refit to serve as a [[UNSC carrier|light carrier]]; sacrificing missile reloads and all of its cargo bays for additional [[hangar bay]]s. In addition to the modified ''Marathon'', a Cyclops battle group also employs three groups of ''Paris'' frigates in Trident Formation.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}
*'''Gorgon Battle Group:''' due to the short supply of heavy cruisers in the war's later years, it became a common practice to field even incompleted hulls to provide heavy MAC firepower to naval [[squadron]]s. Twin ''Marathon''s may be paired alongside a dedicated escort ''Paris'' frigate for each and two Trident Formations of ''Paris'' frigates, with the ''Marathon''s concentrating their firepower on heavily [[Energy shielding|shielded]] Covenant vessels and giving the frigates a fighting chance against the weaker targets.{{Ref/Reuse|fb125}}

==Ships of the line==
*{{UNSCShip|Canberra}} (CA-70) – Fleet Admiral [[Joseph Harper]]'s [[flagship]]; led the [[Fifth Fleet]] against the [[Covenant]] during the [[Battle for Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}}
*{{UNSCShip|Dresden}} – Equipped with a [[saddle box]] drive. Destroyed during the [[Battle of Biko]] in [[2526]].{{Ref/Reuse|tug}}
*{{UNSCShip|Feeling Lucky}} – Part of the Fifth Fleet; destroyed during the Battle of Earth on October 20, 2552.{{Ref/Site|Id=CF50|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-fifty-caliber|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber|D=10|M=03|Y=2019}}
*{{UNSCShip|Hannibal}} – Destroyed during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=18}}
*{{UNSCShip|Leviathan}} – Vice Admiral [[Michael Stanforth]]'s flagship. Severely damaged during the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] and destroyed during the Fall of Reach.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR18}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/michael-stanforth|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Michael Stanforth|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}
*{{UNSCShip|Marathon}} – The [[Wikipedia:Lead ship|lead ship]] of the class.{{Ref/Generic|[[Stephen Loftus]] on the [[Talk:Autumn-class heavy cruiser|''Autumn'' class' talk page]]}}
*{{UNSCShip|Prophecy}} – Destroyed during the [[Harvest campaign]] in [[2531#February|February 2531]].{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Timeline}}
*{{UNSCShip|Say My Name}} (CA-942){{Ref/Reuse|Crate2}} – Deployed [[ODSTs]] to board ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' as part of [[Operation: BUMRUSH]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]] on October 20, 2552.{{Ref/Reuse|ODST}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
*''[[C-322]]''{{Ref/NoteReuse|Contention}} - Participated in the [[Defense of Concord]] in [[2551#December|December 2551]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Contention|Halo: Winter Contention}}

==Service history==
[[File:HWG SecondBattleOfHarvest.png|thumb|250px|Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers engaging the {{Pattern|Rasus|interdictor}} ''[[Heaven's Brilliant Bier]]'' during the [[First Battle of Harvest]].{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}]]
The ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser was commissioned and built as a replacement for the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}},{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} a smaller and more lightly armed cruiser which suffered from excessive production costs and a lack of tactical viability.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} After a brief era of service,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} most ships of the ''Halcyon''-class were decommissioned, which led to the ''Marathon''-class rising to prominence. By [[2525]], the ''Marathon''-class was the most popular line of [[cruiser]] in service with the Navy.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

===Human-Covenant War===
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers served in [[Battle Group X-Ray]] under [[Preston Cole|Vice Admiral Preston Cole]] during the [[First Battle of Harvest]]. Throughout the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ''Marathon''s continued to serve in Cole's [[Third Fleet]]. Several ''Marathon''s from the fleet, including {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}}, participated in the [[Harvest campaign]].{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Timeline|HW|Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline Events|Detail=}} At least one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser, {{UNSCShip|Dresden}}, participated in the [[Battle of Biko|Battle]] of [[Biko]], where it was destroyed by the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|tug}}

[[File:Fifth Fleet - H2A.png|thumb|250px|left|Numerous ''Marathon''s hold position over Earth.]]
As their numbers were diminished by the onslaught of the Covenant, many ''Marathon''s were reassigned to the defense of the [[Inner Colonies]] and [[Earth]] during the later years of the Human-Covenant War.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR18}} As of [[2552#July|July 2552]], only 20 cruisers remained within the UNSC fleet, possibly at least among the [[FLEETCOM Sector One]].{{Ref/Note|See [[UNSC Leviathan#Notes|here]] by regarding the number of remaining cruisers as of July 2552}} [[Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth]]'s [[flagship]] [[UNSC Leviathan|''Leviathan'']] of the [[Battle Group Leviathan]] was present at the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] and was severely damaged during the battle.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR21|TFoR|Chapter=21}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR23|TFoR|Chapter=23}} Numerous ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Fall of Reach]], many of which were destroyed, including ''Leviathan''.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|fb}}{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=22}}

At least eight ''Marathon''-class cruisers (including {{UNSCShip|Canberra}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}} and [[UNSC Say My Name|''Say My Name'']],{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/unsc-say-my-name/87da73b5-cede-44fd-906e-c3d1f57abf44|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=UNSC Say My Name|D=24|M=04|Y=2011}} assigned to the [[Fifth Fleet]], a part of the [[UNSC Home Fleet]]) were present at the onset of the [[Battle for Earth]]. Led by [[Joseph Harper|Fleet Admiral Joseph Harper]] aboard ''Canberra'' and supported by sixty-seven {{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}s, these ships formed a defensive perimeter around the [[orbital defense platform]] cluster over the Mediterranean to prevent the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] from reaching Earth's surface.{{Ref/Level|H2|Cairo Station}} [[Carl Patterson|Admiral Carl Patterson]]'s [[Battle Group Omicron]], drawn from the Home Fleet, contained one ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser that participated in the [[Onyx Conflict]], where she was destroyed with the rest of her [[battle group]].{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Chapter=32}}

===Post-war===
Most remaining ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers were decommissioned after the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} was introduced, with only a handful staying in service.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} The ''Autumn'' class became slated to serve as the core of the reconstituted UNSC Navy's fleet, a role the ''Marathon'' class had previously fulfilled.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser served as the flagship of Admiral [[Graselyn Tuwa]] during [[Operation: JOVIAN WHISTLE|an operation]] on [[Gao]] in [[2553]]. The presence of the cruiser prevented [[Arlo Casille|Minister of Protection Arlo Casille]] from taking naval action against the UNSC, realizing that the cruiser could easily decimate his entire fleet of [[patrol corvette]]s.{{Ref/Novel|HLL|Chapter=5}}

==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===''Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp''===
Several ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers participated in the [[Operation: TREBUCHET]] over [[Eridanus II]] against the [[Insurrectionist]]s in [[2513]] during the [[Insurrection]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=hfor|HFoRBC|Issue=1}}{{Ref/NoteReuse|service}} One of these cruisers threatened the [[United Rebel Front|URF]] [[Human starship|vessel]] ''[[Gateway (ship)|Gateway]]'', which experienced difficulties with its [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|slipspace drive]], until it was later ripped apart by [[Robert Watts]] using towing cables on his {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}, ''[[Iliad]]'',  and he sent the cruiser's debris into a collision course with another UNSC vessel, destroying both ships, alongside a ''Halcyon''-class cruiser.{{Ref/Reuse|hfor}}

==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
===UNSC ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a single ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=95
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=6
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3

|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 3
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 3
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 

|BuildRating=2
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=3

|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=7

|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=6
}}

===UNSC Supported ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser and one ''Paris''-class heavy frigate.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=110
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser Supported.png|x150px]]
|Movement=T8
|DamageTrack1=7
|DamageTrack2=6
|DamageTrack3=3

|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 4
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 3
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 

|BuildRating=3
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=4

|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=2
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=9

|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=7
}}

{{Col-2}}

===UNSC Reinforced ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruiser===
This element includes a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser and two ''Paris''-class heavy frigates.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=120
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser Reinforced.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=8
|DamageTrack2=7
|DamageTrack3=4

|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 5
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 4
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 

|BuildRating=4
|Hangars=2
|BoardingCraft=2
|SecurityDetail=4

|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=3
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=11

|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=9
}}

===UNSC Paired ''Marathon'' Heavy Cruisers===
This element features two ''Marathon''-class heavy cruisers.
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=UNSC Marathon Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Medium
|PTS=220
|Image=[[File:HFB MarathonCruiser Paired.png|x150px]]
|Movement=8
|DamageTrack1=10
|DamageTrack2=10
|DamageTrack3=5

|SysLoadout1= Hard Burn
|SysLoadout1Stat= 2"
|SysLoadout2= Missile Barrage
|SysLoadout2Stat= 
|SysLoadout3= Point Defence
|SysLoadout3Stat= 7
|SysLoadout4= Titanium Armour
|SysLoadout4Stat= 7
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 

|BuildRating=6
|Hangars=4
|BoardingCraft=4
|SecurityDetail=6

|PrimaryWeaponName=Heavy MAC
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=16
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=MAC
|PrimaryWeaponCount=4
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward
|PrimaryWeaponDice=16

|SecondaryWeaponName=Missile Batteries
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=12
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Missiles
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=12
}}

{{Col-end}}

==Production notes==
Though in-universe the class is likely named for the [[Wikipedia:Battle of Marathon|Battle of Marathon]], in reality its name is a reference to [[Bungie]]'s ''[[Marathon]]'' trilogy and its eponymous ship, the [[marathongame:UESC Marathon|UESC ''Marathon'']].

The ''Marathon'' class is featured in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''; although the {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}} was originally intended to appear instead, it was decided that the latter's appearance would not be canonically possible. The design for the ''Marathon'' class in the game was noted to have been difficult to sculpt, although the models created by [[Blur Studio]] for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' aided in the process.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLoop|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-in-the-loop|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - In the Loop|D=15|M=10|Y=2018}} In the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', the visual for the ''Marathon'' used (and featured on this page's infobox) is a model of the ship created by [[:Category:Images by Jared Harris|Jared Harris]] for the ''Halo'' fan mod ''[[Sins of the Prophets]]''. The ''Sins of the Prophets'' team worked with [[343 Industries]] to provide a number of ship illustrations for the encyclopedia.

===Inconsistencies and disrepancies===
In the original [[2001]] print of ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} was compared to the profile of an "elongated frigate". In the novel's [[2010]] reprint, this reference [[List of changes in Halo: The Fall of Reach rereleases|was changed]] to compare ''Pillar of Autumn'' to a "''Marathon-class carrier''". This reference is erroneous, as the ''Marathon'' is a classification of cruiser.{{Ref/Novel|Id=FOR29|TFoR|Chapter=29}}

In the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline Events]] for ''[[Halo Wars]]'', UNSC ''Prophecy'' is referred to as a [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]], contradicting the depiction of a ''Marathon''-class cruiser visualised in the ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' tie-in comic. At the time of ''Halo Wars''{{'}} release, the only destroyer then-visualised in ''Halo'' media was the comic's own depiction of the {{Class|Hillsborough|heavy destroyer}} {{CMAShip|Heracles}}.{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}

The ''Marathon''{{'}}s [[hull classification symbol]] is established in two separate sources; the ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' cutscene for [[Cairo Station]] and the ''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]'' [[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|data drops]] to be '''CA'''.{{Ref/Reuse|H2ACairo}}{{Ref/Reuse|Crate2}} Despite this, the vessel [[C-322]] - first mentioned in the [[Winter Update]] [[Halo Infinite Story & Intel|intel drops]] - was established in the [[Halo Waypoint|chronicle story]] ''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]'' to be a ''Marathon''-class.{{Ref/Reuse|Contention}}

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Marathon-class heavy cruisers}}
===Illustrations===
<gallery>
File:HM-Marathon.png|Profile of a ''Marathon'' in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HW3 Faceoff Concept.png|[[Halo Wars 3 (rejected pitch)|''Halo Wars 3'' pitch]] artwork depicting a ''Marathon'' facing down a ''CAS''-class carrier.
</gallery>

===Renders===
<gallery>
File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser.png|The ''Marathon''-class model developed by Blur for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser-Engines.png|Detail of the rear engines of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:H2A-MarathonHeavyCruiser-Views.png|Comparison of the fore and aft of the ''Marathon''.
File:UNSC Capital Vessels (Spartan Games).jpg|The ''Marathon''{{'}}s scale compared to that of the {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}} and the {{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}.
File:Marathon-render-SLoftus.png|The starboard profile of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:Marathon-class Cruiser.JPG|A ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser orbiting Earth.
File:Say My Name dropbay open.png|The SOEIV drop bay aboard a ''Marathon''; the SOEIV deployment rings can be seen above.
File:H3ODST PreparetoDropCinematic.jpg|ODSTs gathered around a [[Holotank|holo-table]] inside a ''Marathon''-class cruiser.
File:Master Chief Collection - Cruiser destroyed.png|A ''Marathon'' class is destroyed in the [[The Hunter and the Hunted|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' announcement trailer]].
File:HomeFleetH2A.png|The back of a ''Marathon''-class heavy cruiser.
File:H2A - Cruiser over Cairo.jpg|A ''Marathon'' glides past ''Cairo Station'', flanked by squads of Longswords.
File:H2A Cutscene EnergyProjectorPiercing.png|A ''Marathon'' hull being pierced by a {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}'s energy projector.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
**''[[Tug o' War]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Arms Race|Arms Race]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]'' {{C|Non-canon appearance}}
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
{{Col-end}}

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{Human Ships}}

[[Category:Marathon-class heavy cruisers| ]]
[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:UNSC ship classes]]