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 1192 meters, over twice 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.

Appearances
Due to their diminishing numbers and the onslaught of the genocidal Covenant, further numbers of these great cruisers have been retrograded to the defense of the Inner Colonies. Marathons were seen at the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, the Battle of Reach, the First Battle of Earth, and the Battle of Onyx. Eight or more Marathons battled in the First Battle of Earth under the command of Fleet Admiral Harper. Yet another was within Battle Group Stalingrad in the Battle of Onyx. It is very likely if not certainly due to their sheer power that these cruisers also participated in the Second Battle of Earth.

Speculation
Although it has never been specifically stated, Marathons most likely carry a large Magnetic Accelerator Cannon or "Heavy Magnetic Accelerator Cannon" as well as Archer Missile pods and a number of Shiva-class nuclear warheads and other armaments e.g. 50mm point defense guns. These ships are also likely to carry a few C709 Longsword-class Starfighter consisting of a squadron or less.

Ships of the Line

 * UNSC Leviathan (Commanded by Admiral Michael Stanforth)

Trivia

 * In Halo: The Fall of Reach, the Marathon classification is erroneously labeled as a carrier.
 * It was named after Bungie's earlier game, Marathon.
 * They bear a very similar appearance to the older Halcyon-class cruisers.
 * 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. So without a doubt, at least a few were present at the First and Second Battles of Earth.