Machine Description

Marathon was a solid-state pinball machine that embodied the sports and fitness craze of the 1980s, tapping into the growing popularity of running and athletic achievement during this era. The theme aligned perfectly with the increasing public interest in marathons and personal fitness that characterized the decade.

The machine's design likely featured running-themed artwork and gameplay elements that simulated the endurance and progression aspects of marathon running. As was typical for solid-state machines of this period, it probably included electronic sound effects, multiple-ball play features, and various running-related targets and objectives that players needed to complete.

While not one of Williams' most celebrated titles, Marathon represented an interesting niche theme in pinball history, as most sports-themed machines of the era focused on more traditional team sports like football, baseball, or basketball. The marathon theme would have offered unique opportunities for incorporating progress-based scoring and sequential challenges that mimicked the stages of completing a marathon race.