Marathon-class heavy cruiser

Marathon-class Cruiser

The Marathon-class Cruiser is a classification of United Nations Space Command warship.

Description
These starships were the replacement for the aging. These behemoths, ranking in at 1500 meters (approx. 4,950 ft.), are over three times the length of a UNSC Frigate. They are also known for their heavy armor - they can survive multiple plasma torpedo impacts, far greater damage than any UNSC Frigate or UNSC Destroyer can sustain. Due to their size, durability and firepower, these massive vessels are commanded by UNSC Admirals and primarily serve as command ships.

Appearances
Due to their diminishing numbers and the onslaught of the genocidal Covenant, further numbers of these great cruisers have been reassigned to the defense of the Inner Colonies. Marathons were present at the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, the Battle of Reach. Eight saw action at the First Battle of Earth under Fleet Admiral Harper. Another was part of Battle Group Stalingrad during the Battle of Onyx. Its likely that some were also been engaged at the Second Battle of Earth.

Trivia

 * In Halo: The Fall of Reach, the Marathon classification is erroneously labeled as a carrier.
 * The name Marathon comes from Bungie's Marathon series of games, which were made before Halo.
 * They bear a resemblance to the older Halcyon-class cruisers, so much so that a Marathon-class cruiser was used to represent the Pillar of Autumn in Halo 2.
 * In Halo: The Fall of Reach, it mentions that Leviathan was one of twenty UNSC Cruisers left in the Fleet, and were being slowly pulled back to protect the Inner Colonies.