Welcome to Marathon The Heart of the Keys
Marathon boundaries are “from the East end of the Seven Mile Bridge approximately Mile Marker (MM) 47 to the West end of Toms Harbors Bridge, approximately MM 60. Being about 1 hour from Key West and Key Largo, Marathon is the Heart of the Florida Keys.
The islands of Marathon are Boot Key, Knight Key, Hog Key, Vaca Key, Stirrup Key, Crawl and Little Crawl Key, East and West Sister’s Island, Deer Key and Fat Deer Key, Long Pine Key and Grassy Key These islands are steeped with the rich Florida history of Henry Flagler’s railroad days. The name Marathon came about by the railroad workers who were working night and day to complete the railway. Due to the unrelenting pace and struggle to complete the project, the popular exclamation, “This is getting to be a real Marathon”, is how the name originated. Vaca Key and Knight Key were actual railroad stations for the Overseas Railroad, as was the now named Marathon.
Before the railroad, the settlers here were farmers, wreckers and fisherman. To this day, Marathon maintains its claim to some of the best fishing in the world. Great fishing, along with beautiful beaches, warm weather and residents proud to call Marathon home are some of the reasons many visitors from all over the world choose to spend time in Marathon, the Heart of the Florida Keys.
Things to Do
Marathon offer a variety of indoor and outdoor things to do with the sunny days, sandy beaches and fish filled waters.
Fishing and Diving are must To Do choices.
Sombrero Beach at MM 50 has a playground, restrooms and a picnic area. For more adventure the nature trails by the beach at Curry Hammock State Park MM 56 and Crane Point Museums & Nature Center (MM 50) are sure to please.
Pigeon Key at MM 47, accessible by the train known as “Henry,” is the historical center for the construction of Henry Flagler’s railroad, and specifically the Seven-Mile Bridge. Buildings and artifacts give life to bygone history.
Both the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key MM 59 and Hawk’s Cay Resort have opportunities to interact and even swim with dolphins.
You can’t forget to visit our neighbors in Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine Key and Key West.