Club Deportivo Marathón is a Honduran professional football club based in San Pedro Sula. Founded on 25 November 1925, Marathón currently plays in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional de Honduras.[1]

Marathón
Full nameClub Deportivo Marathón
Nickname(s)El Monstruo Verde (the Green Monster)
Los Panzas Verdes (the Green Bellies)
Verdolagas
Esmeraldas (Emeralds)
Sinfonía Verde (Green Symphony)
Founded25 November 1925; 98 years ago (1925-11-25)
GroundEstadio Yankel Rosenthal,
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Capacity15,000
OwnerOrinson Amaya
ManagerSalomon Nazar
LeagueLiga Nacional
2021–22Apertura, 6th of 10
Clausura, 5th of 10
Websitehttp://www.cdmarathon.net/

History

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Club Deportivo Marathón was founded on 25 November 1925 in San Pedro Sula by Eloy Montes and a group of his friends.[2] Ever since, Marathón has become one of the most prestigious clubs in Honduras, winning multiple titles. Club Deportivo Marathón has its own sporting venue that has different fields for the first team all the way to the lower youth levels, and even a tennis cement based foosball lit for night games. The venue has since improved through the years by the support of Friends of the Marathón Group (GAMA) and the different boards of directors through the years.

First title (1979)

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The club would win its first title in 1979, under the orders of Ángel Ramón Rodríguez. With figures like Roberto Bailey, Arturo Bonilla, Francisco Javier Toledo, Celso Güity, Efraín Osorio, Ramón Osorio, René Suazo, Jorge Alberto Bueso, Félix Carranza, Jorge Phoyoú, Alberto Merelles, and Juan Carlos Wéber among others, the club remained in first place in the regular season standings. Having secured their classification to the final, El Monstruo Verde defeated Pumas UNAH 2–0 over two legs.

Second title (1985)

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It took six years for Marathón to win another championship. This was achieved in 1985. At that time, Gonzalo Zelaya of La Ceiba was the team coach. In the regular season, Marathón was second in their group behind C.D. Olimpia on goal difference. In the final round, Marathón was the champion with 4 wins, 1 draw and only 1 loss to rivals: Vida, Motagua and Olimpia. In the deciding match in San Pedro Sula at the Estadio Francisco Morazán, Marathón faced off with Vida. With a goal from Roy Padilla Bardales, the emerald outfit won 1–0 and was crowned league champion for the second time.

Third title (2002)

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Marathón had a drought of nearly 17 years without a league title. However, at the beginning of the new century, the club began having a resurgence. This is due to that, in 2001, the Honduran coach Chelato Uclés, began a major renovation project. Forming a team without many big name players, Uclés led Marathón to the top once again, establishing El Monstruo Verde as one of the strongest teams in the league. Uclés led the team went to the Apertura final, losing against Motagua on penalties (5–3). However, the great work of Marathón was applauded and recognized by several journalists, hobbyists and technicians in the country for their offensive and attractive football. In the Clausura season, Marathón finished third in the regular season with 29 points, and faced Platense in the semifinals. In the first leg, Marathón won 2–1 in San Pedro Sula, with a brace from Enrique Reneau, while Platense pulled one back with a goal from Clifford Laing. In the second leg, Marathón drew 0–0 at Puerto Cortés and qualified for the final. Marathón faced Olimpia in the final, who defeated Victoria 3–2 on aggregate in the semifinals. In the first leg played at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, Marathón defeated Olimpia 4–1 with a penalty from Nigel Zúniga, and goals from Enrique Reneau and Óscar Vargas. In the second leg at Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino, Olimpia won 1–0, but it wasn't enough as Marathón won 4–2 on aggregate and secured a third league title.

Fourth title (2003)

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Just after 13 months, Marathón would again win another title. In the Clausura tournament, the Esmeraldas were directed by the Brazilian Flavio Ortega. Ortega replaced the Argentine Miguel Angel Lemme, who left in the middle of the season. Flavio Ortega lifted the team to finally reach second place in the regular season (only surpassed by Olimpia). In the semi-finals, Marathón faced Real España. In the first leg both teams tied 1–1; Henry Jimenez scored first for Real España, but Pompilio Cacho drew level. Three days later in the return game, played at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, both sides drew 1–1 once again. Marathón entered the final, having finished higher in the regular season standings. Marathón faced Motagua in the final, with The Motagüenses having eliminated Olimpia in the semifinals. The first leg of the final was played at the Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino, and Marathón surprised to win 1–0 with a goal from Emil Martínez, who was later sent off. In the return leg, Marathón had a total number of 35,000 fans at the Olímpico Metropolitano, the second highest attendance record in the history of Liga Nacional. Motagua struck first with a goal from Luis Oseguera in the 39th minute, however Pompilio Cacho scored the equalizer at the end of the first half. In the second half, Marathón were up 2 by goals, both scored by Denilson Costa. With this, Marathón were champions for a fourth time.

Fifth title (2004)

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The team won its fifth title in 2004. Former player Nicolás Suazo led Marathón against Olimpia. After winning the first game in San Pedro Sula, Marathón won the tie in extra-time thanks to two goals from Edgardo Simovic.

Sixth title (2007)

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On 22 December 2007, Marathón won its sixth league title. Under the guidance of Manuel Keosseián, the club beat Motagua in San Pedro Sula by 2–0 score after a 0–0 draw on the first leg in Tegucigalpa. Mitchel Brown and Erick Scott scored the winning goals.

Seventh title (2008)

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On 13 December 2008, Marathón won its seventh title in its history and the fifth one of the new century. With Keosseián again as the coach, the club beat Real España at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano by a 1–0 scoreline in the first leg. In the second leg, both teams finished in a 1–1 draw.

Eighth title (2009)

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In the 2009–10 season, Marathón faced Olimpia in the Apertura final. Having lost 1–0 in the first leg in Tegucigalpa, Los Panzas Verdes won 2–0 in the second leg with goals from Guillermo Ramírez and Jerry Palacios.

Ninth title (2018)

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On 19 May 2018, Marathón was crowded a ninth time. Marathón faced Motagua and having finished 1–1 over two legs, Marathón came out victorious 5–4 on penalties. Under the guidance of the coach Hector Vargas, the club maintained their composure during the entire season.

Stadium

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Marathón plays its home games in Estadio Yankel Rosenthal, which is located in San Pedro Sula. Marathón is the only team in Honduras to have its own stadium. Yankel Rosenthal is a multi-purpose stadium located in Colonia La Sabana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras has a capacity of 7,000 fans. The project, which was scheduled to be completed in full for 2007, was postponed to 2009 due to financial problems.

Club rivalries

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Clásico Nacional

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El Clásico Nacional (The National Classic) is a Honduran national football derby played between C.D. Olimpia and Marathón, with the former being from Tegucigalpa, and the latter from San Pedro Sula. The rivalry began in September 1928, when Olimpia, at that time Central Zone champion, won its three match final series against Marathón, champion of the North. This event created the National Classic.

Clásico de las M's

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El Clásico de las M's (The Classic of the M's) or El Derbi de las M's (The "M" Derby), is a derby football match played between F.C. Motagua from Tegucigalpa and Marathón, two of the most successful and popular football teams in Honduras.

Clásico Sampedrano

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El Clásico Sampedrano (The Sampedran Derby) is contested between Marathón and Real C.D. España. These two teams are from San Pedro Sula, hence the name.

Support

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Marathón is one of the big four teams in la Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional de Honduras, being the second team to Honduras in terms of number of fans, being beaten only by Olimpia.

IFFHS club ranking

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In 2009, Marathón was positioned at 234 in the International Federation of Football History & Statistics Club World Ranking, the highest a Honduran club had ever been at the time. As of 31 December 2020, Marathón is ranked at 384 out of 400, sitting behind Shanghai Shenhua F.C. of the Chinese Super League.

Achievements

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Domestic

1979–80, 1985–86, Clausura 2002, Clausura 2003, Apertura 2004, Apertura 2007, Apertura 2008, Apertura 2009, Clausura 2018
Runners-up (13): 1966–67, 1967–68, 1973–74, 1980–81, 1987–88, Apertura 2001, Clausura 2004, Clausura 2005, Apertura 2005, Clausura 2007, Clausura 2008, Clausura 2012, 2023–24 A.
1994, 2017
Runners-up: 1972
2019
Runners-up: 2017

International

Third-place: 1995

League and playoffs performance

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(1994–present)[3]

Season Position GP W D L GF GA PTS Playoffs Pl. W D L GS GA PTS
1994–95 6th 27 9 7 11 34 33 34 First round 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
1995–96 4th 27 9 9 9 32 31 36 First round 2 0 1 1 0 2 0
1996–97 5th 27 10 7 10 31 29 37 First round 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
Apertura 1997 4th 20 8 8 4 30 24 32 First round 2 0 0 2 2 4 0
Clausura 1998 4th 20 7 9 4 29 28 30 First round 2 0 1 0 1 1 1
1998–99 7th 18 4 9 5 16 16 21 did not qualify - - - - - -
Apertura 1999 8th 18 3 8 7 16 22 17 did not qualify - - - - - -
Clausura 2000 5th 18 6 4 8 24 22 22 Semi-finals 4 1 3 0 4 3 5
Apertura 2000 9th 18 4 6 8 20 25 18 did not qualify - - - - - -
Clausura 2001 3rd 18 9 3 6 30 20 30 Semi-finals 4 1 2 1 4 4 5
Apertura 2001 2nd 18 8 7 3 28 22 31 Runners-up 4 2 1 1 6 5 7
Clausura 2002 3rd 18 8 5 5 27 21 29 Champions 4 2 1 1 6 3 7
Apertura 2002 3rd 18 7 7 4 22 16 28 Semi-finals 2 1 0 1 1 2 3
Clausura 2003 2nd 18 10 3 5 33 17 33 Champions 4 2 2 0 6 4 8
Apertura 2003 4th 18 8 4 6 21 16 28 Semi-finals 2 0 1 1 3 5 1
Clausura 2004 3rd 16 7 4 5 22 14 25 Runners-up 4 2 1 1 5 4 7
Apertura 2004 3rd 18 10 4 4 23 17 34 Champions 4 3 1 0 8 5 10
Clausura 2005 2nd 18 7 6 5 24 22 27 Runners-up 4 0 3 1 3 4 5
Apertura 2005 3rd 18 7 8 3 30 26 29 Runners-up 4 3 0 1 7 4 9
Clausura 2006 9th 18 2 5 11 16 27 11 did not qualify - - - - - -
Apertura 2006 4th 18 8 6 4 30 20 30 Semi-finals 2 1 0 1 2 3 3
Clausura 2007 2nd 18 11 4 3 32 16 36 Runners-up 4 2 0 2 5 6 6
Apertura 2007 1st 18 10 3 5 27 16 35 Champions 4 2 1 1 4 1 7
Clausura 2008 2nd 18 9 3 6 30 23 30 Runners-up 4 1 1 2 6 7 4
Apertura 2008 2nd 18 9 5 4 26 20 32 Champions 4 2 1 1 3 2 7
Clausura 2009 2nd 18 10 4 4 42 23 34 Semi-finals 2 0 0 2 2 6 0
Apertura 2009 1st 18 11 5 2 32 16 38 Champions 4 2 0 2 5 4 6
Clausura 2010 7th 18 4 7 7 23 24 19 did not qualify - - - - - -
Apertura 2010 2nd 18 8 7 3 26 18 31 Semi-finals 2 0 1 1 2 4 1
Clausura 2011 4th 18 7 4 7 21 17 25 Semi-finals 2 1 0 1 1 1 3
Apertura 2011 2nd 18 9 4 5 32 19 31 Semi-finals 2 0 1 1 0 1 0
Clausura 2012 3rd 18 8 7 3 25 19 31 Runners-up 6 2 3 1 4 2 6
Apertura 2012 4th 18 6 5 7 21 26 23 First round 2 0 2 0 2 2 1
Clausura 2013 4th 18 5 9 4 26 21 24 First round 2 0 1 1 2 4 1
Apertura 2013 10th 18 4 5 9 20 30 17 "Did not qualify" - - - - - -
Clausura 2014 5th 18 6 6 6 22 25 24 Runners-up 2 2 4 0 3 1 10
Apertura 2014 7th 18 5 7 6 20 25 22 "Did not qualify" - - - - - -
Clausura 2015 3rd 18 8 5 5 20 23 29 First round 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
Apertura 2015 5th 18 6 6 6 26 22 24 First round 2 0 2 0 0 0 2
Clausura 2016 6th 18 7 4 7 25 20 25 First round 2 1 0 1 2 1 3
Apertura 2016 5th 18 6 6 6 22 22 24 First round 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
Clausura 2017 5th 18 8 3 7 26 22 27 First round 2 1 0 1 1 1 3
Apertura 2017 1st 18 11 1 6 27 21 34 Semi-finals 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
Clausura 2018 1st 18 11 4 3 35 23 37 Champions 4 2 2 0 4 2 8

Other facts

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  • Marathón was the first team in Honduras to beat a Mexican club in an official match. In 1981, Marathón beat Cruz Azul at the Estadio Azteca 3–1, in the process becoming the first Honduran team to beat a Mexican club on home turf.
  • The first game that Marathón held against South American opposition was in 1968, against Cúcuta Deportivo of Colombia. Marathón won 3–0 in the Estadio Morazán. The last match Marathón had against a South American team was in 2002, when the Verdolagas defeated Argentinian powerhouse River Plate 3–1 at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano.[4]
  • Their first game against a Mexican team was in 1967, when they won over C.D. Irapuato 6–3 at the Francisco Morazán Stadium.
  • Marathón held a game against Brazilian club Santos in 1969 which was tied 1-1. Pelé was subbed on in the second-half.
  • Marathón in the 1960s and 1970s was known as the "foreign team executioner". This was because at this time, Honduran teams were often swept by foreigners, unlike Marathón and Olimpia. The most significant triumphs at the time were: In 1966 the thrashing of Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica 4–0 at the Francisco Morazán, a victory over Pachuca of Mexico 2–1 in 1967, also at the Francisco Morazán, and a victory against Peruvian side Sporting Cristal 2–1 in 1971.
  • The club's top scorer is Gilberto Leonel Machado with 78 goals.[5]
  • Marathón's largest ever league win was in 1976 when they defeated Campamento 7–0.[6]
  • Marathón's largest ever defeat was at the hands of Mexican club Toluca in 2009 when they lost 7–0 in CONCACAF Champions League at the Estadio Nemesio Díez.

CD Marathon defender, Andre Orellana grabbed the headlines after he was shown a red card for his horrible two-footed tackle in his side's defeat against CD Olimpia.

League and performance

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All-time table

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(From 1965 to 1966 to 2009–10)

Seasons Points Played Won Drawn Lost For Against Difference
55 2048 1412 523 479 412 1791 1491 +300

International competition

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CONCACAF Champions' Cup and Champions League

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First Round v.   C.S.D. Municipal – 0:1, 0:3 (Municipal advanced 4:0 on aggregate)
First Round v.   C.S. Herediano – 3:0, 1:3 (Marathón advanced 4:3 on aggregate)
First Round v.   Comunicaciones F.C. – 1:1, 4:0 (Marathón advanced 5:1 on aggregate but withdrew after series)
First Round v.   C.D. Santiagueño – 4:0, 1:1 (Marathón advanced 5:1 on aggregate)
Second Round v.   Cruz Azul – 3:1, 1:1 (Marathón advanced 4:1 on aggregate)
Third Round v.   C.D. Atlético Marte – (Marathón withdrew)
First Round v.   Alianza F.C. – 0:1, 3:2 (Alianza advanced 4:2 on penalties)
Group C v.   C.S.D. Municipal – 2:0
Group C v.   C.D. Águila – 1:0
Group C v.   Alajuelense – 0:1
Third Round v.   Alajuelense – 0:2
Third Round v.   Aurora F.C. – 2:1
Third Round v.   C.D. Olimpia – 1:2
Preliminary round v.   A.D. Isidro Metapán – 2:2, 1:2 (Marathón advanced 4:3 on aggregate)
Group A v.   Cruz Azul – 2:0, 1:1
Group A v.   D.C. United – 2:0, 2:4
Group A v.   Saprissa – 2:1, 2:0
Quarterfinals v.   Puerto Rico Islanders – 2:1, 1:0 (Islanders advanced 3:1 on aggregate)
Group B v.   D.C. United – 3:1, 3:0
Group B v.   San Juan Jabloteh F.C. – 3:1, 2:4
Group B v.   Deportivo Toluca F.C. – 0:7, 2:0
Quarterfinals v.   UNAM – 2:0, 1:6 (UNAM advanced 6:3 on aggregate)
Group C v.   Seattle Sounders FC – 2:1, 2:0
Group C v.   Saprissa – 4:1, 2:1
Group C v.   C.F. Monterrey – 2:0, 0:1
Group 4 v.   Caledonia AIA – 0:0, 2:1
Group 4 v.   Seattle Sounders FC – 2:3, 3:1
Round of 16 v.   Santos Laguna – 2:6, 5:0 (Santos advanced 11:2 on aggregate)
Round of 16 v.   Portland Timbers – 2:2, 0:5 (Portland advanced 7:2 on aggregate)

CONCACAF League

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Preliminary round v.   Comunicaciones F.C. – 2:1, 1:1 (Comunicaciones advanced 3:2 on aggregate)
Round of 16 v.   Antigua GFC – 1:1 (Marathón advanced after winning 4:3 on penalties)
Quarter-finals v.   Saprissa – 0:2 (Saprissa advanced)
Play-in round v.   Forge FC – 1:0 (Marathón qualified for 2021 CONCACAF Champions League)

Torneo Fraternidad

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  • 1980 Torneo Fraternidad
First Round v.   C.D. FAS – 1:2, 0:8 (FAS advanced 10:1 on aggregate)
  • 1981 Torneo Fraternidad
First Round v.   C.D. Águila – 2:1, 5:0 (Marathón advanced 7:1 on aggregate)
  • 1982 Torneo Fraternidad
First Round v.   Club Xelajú MC – 0:2, 1:1 (Xelajú MC advanced 3:1 on aggregate)

Copa Interclubes UNCAF

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Group C v.   Alajuelense – 1:2
Group C v.   F.C. Motagua – 1:2
Group C v.   Tauro F.C. – 4:0
Group 3 v.   San Francisco F.C. – 5:0
Group 3 v.   C.D. Olimpia – 0:0
Group 3 v.   Alajuelense – 0:0
First Round v.   Parmalat FC – 3:0 (Parmalat withdrew)
Quarter-finals v.   Deportivo Saprissa – 0:4, 4:0 (Saprissa advanced 5:4 on penalties)
First Round v.   C.D. Águila – 2:0, 1:1 (Marathón advanced 3:1 on aggregate)
Quarter-finals v.   Deportivo Marquense – 1:1, 0:1 (Marquense advanced 2:1 on aggregate)

Current squad

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As of 23 January, 2024[7]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
3 DF   HON Kenny Bodden
4 DF   PAN Javier Rivera
5 MF   HON Francisco Martínez
7 MF   HON Isaac Castillo
8 MF   HON Tomas Sorto
9 FW   HON Clayvin Zúñiga
10 MF   HON Damin Ramírez
11 FW   HON Selvin Guevara
12 FW   HON Yunny Dolmo
13 MF   HON Gerson Chávez
14 DF   HON Javier Arriaga
15 DF   HON Allans Vargas
16 DF   HON Johnny Leverón
No. Pos. Nation Player
17 FW   HON Alexy Vega
19 MF   HON José Aguilera
21 MF   HON Odín Ramos
22 FW   HON Kilmar Peña
23 GK   PAN César Samudio
26 FW   HON Samuel Elvir
27 DF   HON Félix Crisanto
29 MF   HON Jeyson Contreras
30 FW   HON Cristian Sacaza
47 FW   URU Nicolás Royón
48 DF   HON Adrián Ramírez
61 GK   HON Luis Ortiz
70 FW   HON Iván López
FW   URU Maxi Pérez

Player records

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Most goals

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(As of 21 October 2019) Bold players are still active

# Player Goals Years
1   Gilberto Machado 78 1979–1991
2   Emil Martínez 66 2001–2004, 2006–2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014–2016
4   Arturo Bonilla 57[8] 1972–1985
5   Pompilio Cacho 56 1995–2003, 2005–2006
6   Roberto Bailey 47 1978–1983
7   Mauro Caballero 42 1965–1978
7   Jorge Bueso 42 1979–1989
7   Nicolás Suazo 42 1989–1994
10   Mario Berríos 40 2000–2017
11   Ciro Paulino Castillo 35 1983–1991, 1992–1997
12   Arnulfo Echeverría 34 1969–1972
13   Diego Reyes 33 2014–2016
14     Flavio Ortega 30 1968–1972
14   Mitchel Brown 30 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014
16   Edgardo Simovic 28 2004–2005
17   Carlos Oliva 25 2001–2002, 2006–2009
18   Denilson Costa 24 2003–2005
18   Luis Ramírez 24 2005, 2009, 2012, 2014
20   Jerry Palacios 20 2008–2010, 2012

Most appearances

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(As of 20 April 2013)

# Player Appearances Years
1   Mauricio Sabillón 486 1998–2009, 2010–2016
2   Mario Berríos 474 2000–2017
3   Arturo Bonilla[9] 266 1972–1985
4   Gilberto Machado 261 1979–1991
5   Mario Beata 229 1992–1998, 2006–2010, 2012

Club crest and colours

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Since 1925, Marathón has used the same logo composed of green, white, and red.

Uniforms

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Along with the crest colors of green, white, and red, Marathón has recently worn black. The team uniform has been manufactured by Joma.

Kit evolution

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Former coaches

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References

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  1. ^ "Cinco equipos hondureños podrían no iniciar el Clausura 2018" (in Spanish). El Grafico. 3 January 2018. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Monstruo sediento" (in Spanish). Diario La Prensa. 10 August 2007. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
  3. ^ "Honduras – List of Champions". Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  4. ^ "El día que River fue bailado y humillado por Marathón" [The day that River was stunned and humiliated by Marathón] (in Spanish). Diario Diez. 2 July 2016. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  5. ^ "No creí que mi récord durara tanto": Machado Archived 20 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine – La Prensa (in Spanish)
  6. ^ "Marathón, el equipo que receta "manitas" en Honduras" [Marathón, the team that prescribes "manitas" in Honduras] (in Spanish). Diario Diez. 22 December 2013. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Plantilla del CD Marathón Temporada 2021/2022". Futbol.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  8. ^ Desafíe a Ismael Archived 12 August 2013 at archive.today – La Prensa (in Spanish)
  9. ^ Desafíe a Ismael Archived 12 August 2013 at archive.today – La Prensa (in Spanish)
  10. ^ "Mattera Sport Gimnasio | Hoja de Vida". Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
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