| The Marathon from Britax is a durable, convertible car seat that helps keep your child safe and secure in the car. Ideal for parents seeking premium comfort and a higher, forward-facing harnessed weight capacity, the Marathon fits children rear facing from five to 35 pounds and children forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds, up to 65 pounds. Both positions can accommodate a standing height up to 49 inches.  | The Britax Marathon offers: - HUGS system for maximum safety.
- Easy-to-use push-button release LATCH connectors.
- Five-point harness for a secure fit.
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The Marathon's LATCH system is easy to adjust. (Crocodile color shown.) View larger. | An Easy-to-Adjust Design That Grows with Your Baby
The Marathon boasts an easy-to-manage design and enhanced features that can be safely used in cars with or without the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. For one, it provides built-in lock-off clips that keep the seat tightly in place when using only traditional seatbelts at installation. Secondly, a simple handle pull allows the car seat base to be reclined when rear-facing, and soft padding and a stain resistant, removable and washable cover keep things cozy and stress-free. In addition, the five-point harness system is made with strong polyester webbing, has tangle free straps, and fits snugly over your baby's shoulders, collarbone and hips to provide a secure fit. There are also four adjustable height positions so the seat can truly grow with your baby. Finally, the one-hand recline adjustment allows for proper positioning, which helps ensure your child's safety. HUGS for Optimum Safety and Support
When it comes to safety, the Marathon truly delivers. First, the patented floating HUGS (Harness Ultra Guard) system exceeds U.S. safety standards by reducing forward head movement as it gently cushions the neck and chest with soft padding--a feature that's particularly important both in the case of an accident and during nap time. In addition, this system better distributes the webbing loads, reducing head movement and minimizing harness irritation on baby's neck in case of an impact. HUGS also reduces the chance of improperly positioning the chest clip. Versa-Tether for Additional Security
Marathon also offers Britax's patented Versa-Tether, an anchor aid that provides additional security in the forward facing position for children weighing more than 50 pounds. The Versa-Tether fastens the top of the car seat to factory installed automobile anchor points, minimizing the possibility of a head injury in the event of impact. This system also allows for rear-facing tethering to help keep the seat consistently stable. Weighing 16.5 pounds, and measuring 19.5 x 27.5 x 25.5 inches (WxHxD), the Marathon is also Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 compliant, meaning it adheres to a strict set of quality control and safety standards, and is approved for airline travel. The Marathon comes with a 1-year limited warranty. The Marathon is also available in the following colors: Mariposa, Tan Swirl, Crocodile, Mossy Oak, All Star Blue, New Denim, Cowmooflage, and Granite.
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 A Miracle! |
| Review Date: August 16, 2007 |
| Reviewer: M. Bostic, West Virginia |
This car seat was a life saver!
Our daughter is almost 4 months now and cried everytime we placed her in her infant seat, except on the day home from the hospital. We couldn't drive down the road without listening to screams - the only time we went anywhere was if she was asleep and often she woke up the minute we put her in her seat. My 8 year old and I would both sit in the back seat with her, it didn't matter. I read the reviews on this seat so we went to 2 different stores and placed her in the demo. She was fine. My mother offered to purchase it for us so we got it.
Sketptical?
I was skeptical, so I first took her for a 5 minute ride - no crying. The next day I chanced 15 minutes - still no crying. The third day we went to my mother's - a 40 minute drive each way. Within a week we were willing to try her on a 3 hour trip. She did great!
I think the key for us was my daughter can see out and doesn't feel confined like the infant seat. She spends most trips gazing out the window and quietly sucking her thumb.
Size
I've read people complain about the size, but it fits fine in our Toyota Prius and our Subaru Outback. In fact it actually allows the front passanger seat to be further back than our previous car seat with a base (Graco Snugride).
Buy Two!
We've had the seat now for 3 weeks and no crying! My husband asks me everyday "How was she in the car" and everyday I say "GREAT!" We bought a second one for the other car.
Installation
This is the easiest car seat I have ever installed, we use the latch system in the Prius and in my mother's car. IT is so much easier than the latch with the Graco seat. Using latch it takes only minutes to go from one car to another. In the Subaru we use the regular shoulder/seat belt (it's 8 years old so latch wasn't available). Which I still like better than the Graco.
It is quite expensive, but to us well worth it. If you're still reading this then you want this seat! (It doesn't feed hungry babies, so they may still fuss.)
A year late...
My daughter is 15 months now and the seat is still wonderful! We now have the seat facing forward and we still love this car seat. |
Britax Best Bang For Your Dollar!
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| Review Date: October 4, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Alice Lathers, Seattle, WA USA |
After spending much of my time reviewing convertible car seats I was able to narrow my decision to the Britax Marathon. The Marathon with its five point harness allows your child to remain in this seat until 49" and or 65 lbs, which is equivilent to a five year old. Thats reassuring considering that most boosters start at 30lbs and just use a shoulder/lap belt combination until your child out grows their seat. I also like the fact how easy the Britax Marathon was to install. Just latch in and tether down and your seat is safe and secure.
I made my purchase online at Traveling Tikes whom I have heard many great reviews. They included free shipping and charged no sales tax. They were pleasant and very professional in answering all my questions which is something that is lacking in this industry.
Sincerely,
Alice Lathers
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I love this seat!
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| Review Date: March 4, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Gingi1976, Phoenix, AZ |
Not too long after my son's second birthday I was rear ended and needed to replace my carseat. We had a Britax Roundabout (fantastic) but my son was quickly approaching the height/weigth threshold for that seat and developmentally we knew he was not ready for a booster seat. After being reimbursed by insurance we opted for the Marathon because of the higher height/weught requirements.
My family and I LOVE this seat. It's plush, comfortable, and my son loves the ball pattern. It was super easy to install (one thing I love about Britax ovewr Graco) and easy to move on those occasions when I need to give a carseat to someone else. When we were first in the market for a convertable carseat I resisted the Marathon because it was so big and in hindsight I should have bought this seat from day one. It grows with a child and after trying other seats it is most definately the nicest and the safest. We have a Graco comfortsport in my husbands car and there really is no comparison between the two.
The Marathon is expensive, but if you can afford it, a carseat is one of those kid items that you shouldn't skimp on because of the price. The Marathon is worth the price and above all else I know that my child is safe when in this seat. |
Well Traveled
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| Review Date: February 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Book Mom, Blackfoot, Idaho United States |
My husband and I purchased this for our quick growing son when he was about 6mo old and hanging out of his infant carrier. I had done a lot of research on car seats and quickly found myself looking at the Britax models for their quality, safety, and reliability. We choose the Marathon specifically because it can hold a child up to 65lbs.
Yes, this car seat is larger and heavier than others, but I would not trade it for anything else. The seat fits very comfortably in the back of our Honda Civic and does not obstruct any views from the rearview mirror. We have traveled extensively with this seat it goes everywhere with us. We never, never have a problem getting it to fit correctly in any type of vehicle. The seat has been in old and new cars alike and it always fits quickly and more importantly correctly!
More important than my love for this seat is my son's. He loves the incredible views provided from the seat and the comfort as well. When he naps his head never falls forward or looks like it is in an uncomfortable position. He sleeps as soundly in the seat as in his bed. My son fits securly in the seat, yet it is large enough it makes him feel like he has space to move.
With all the travel and use this seat is cleaned frequently. I can't beleive how easy it is to disasemble and wash and you don't have to video tape yourself taking it apart to remember how to get it back together. I just can't say enough awesome things about this seat. I am so glad that I found this seat and would encourage anyone to take advantage of the many great and easy to use features. |
Worth every penny!
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| Review Date: August 12, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jean Rhys, California |
| My 2 year old daughter has been in a britax marathon ever since she was 7 months old. After hours of research and asking around, I decided that this was a good investment for the safety of my daughter, although it is quite expensive compared to the other carseats in the market. We never had a problem with this carseat and my daughter always looked comfortable in it whether she's sitting up looking out the window or sleeping. I love the headrest on the sides that allows her to sleep in the car without her head bouncing around. After using this for over a year, I decided to move my daughter into a cheaper Eddie Bauer covertible seat so her younger sister can use her Britax. BAD DECISION!! I realized on the first drive that there is no car seat out there that beats this one. In less than five minutes, her head was bobbing around, padding was so horrible, her headrest was so stiff and upright that she was struggling to get out. I thought she was old enough to use cheaper brands comfortably but I now realize how good we all had it by using a high quality carseat. I'm now looking for a larger version (Britax Regent) for my daughter so my younger can use this one. Yes its a bit pricey but I truly truly believe that it's worth every penny considering the comfort and safety of our children. If you're hesitant about spending $100 more on a carseat, consider skipping one nice dinner out with your spouse and investing it instead on a Britax. I highly recommend it and there really is nothing out there that compares to this one. Once you use one, you'll see that there really is a difference. |
Excellent Product - Airplane Advice
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| Review Date: August 3, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Paul B, Meriden, CT |
| We have 2 of these and love them. We recently brought one with us to Europe with a Go-go Baby Travelmate attachment which made travel through the airports very easy. ALWAYS ask for and use the seatbelt extender, I didn't use it on one flight which was a Big mistake. The release mechanism went behind the seat when I tightened up the strap and it was (almost) impossible to open. Also expect to have the seat hand inspected at check-in. It only fit through the x-ray machine at one of the several airports we traveled through. |
Worth evey dollar
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| Review Date: October 5, 2005 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I purchased the marathon convertible car seat for my daughter when she was 6 months old, she is now almost two, and the seat looks like new! The straps never twist! And if you know what I mean you would spend a whatever it takes to not have to untwist straps. My sister had bought at least 4 seats for her daughter, the average car seat, because her daughter outgrew them fast. After the pumkin seat you will only need one car seat and I highly recommend the marathon. The seat has much more padding than other seats. If you were sitting in a seat would you rather sit in a recliner or a wooden chair. The seat is a little high at one time but not so in the long run. |
Stellar Carseat
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| Review Date: January 23, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jen in Texas, Austin, TX |
I bought this carseat as a replacement for the Graco Snugride that my son outgrew at 4 months. He always liked his Marathon, but now that he's over 1 year and facing forward, he's really happy - this seat allows him to sit high enough to see outside the car. It must be very comfortable too, because he regularly falls asleep on long trips.
The installation is easy and very secure. Just connect the LATCH connectors, put your knee in the seat, and pull the straps to tighten. Connect the tether to the tether point that most newer cars now have, tighten that strap, and you're done. The only down side - this seat is built for kids up to 65 lbs, so it's VERY large. It probably won't fit in some smaller cars, but I was able to install it in my CR-V and in a RAV4 (both centered) with no problem at all. Both of these small SUVs still have room for 2 smaller adults in the back seat with the Marathon installed.
A couple of tips for airline travel - the seat is approved for airline use, but the LATCH connectors won't work. If you install the seat using the airline seatbelts and tighten the belt properly, you won't be able to operate the latch to free the seat when you arrive at your destination (I learned this the hard way!). To make life easier, ask for a seatbelt extender when you board the aircraft. Use the extender to connect the two halves of the seatbelt through the back of the seat. Then you can tighten the belt to properly secure the seat and still release it easily when it's time to disembark.
Second tip - this seat is a backbreaker if you have to carry it through an airport to make a connection. Instead of carrying it, get a luggage cart and attach the seat with a bungee cord. Now, put the kid in the seat, strap him in, and leave the stroller at home.
Oh, and get the seat at Traveling Tikes - about $40 cheaper. |
A literal life saver
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| Review Date: February 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Kevin Clark, |
| My 16 month old daughter was riding in one of these when the truck she was in, a Dodge Ram, rolled over repeatedly at highway speed. My wife was cut and bruised and her mother suffered fractured vertebrae. My daughter literally was not scratched. She didn't even have red marks or scrapes where the straps went across her shoulder. This seat is as good or better than you have heard. It is worth every penny. Plus, Britax replaces accident-damaged seats for free. So we're on our second seat and yet we've only had to pay for one. Great seat, great company. |
Worth Every Penny!
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| Review Date: May 12, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Terry Sneider, Los Angeles, CA USA |
After our son out grew his Graco Snug Ride infant car seat. We started to research convertibles car seats. The Britax Marathon's name came up in every online forum as well as writing reviews giving this seat very high ratings.
We visited a local store in our area who carried the Britax Marathon as we wanted to see how it would fit our child. We were very pleased that the seat has a growth potential of up to 65 lbs and 49" in height. This calculates that on average a child can stay in this seat in a five point harness until the approximate age of a five year old.....reassuring.
As most seats on the market have five point harnesses that have a weight limit of 40lbs. The Marathon would allow us more long term growth instead of transitioning into a booster early on and bipassing the shoulder/lap belt combination.
We shopped online and found that babies r us had a large selection. However the more we researched we found the prices to be considerably lower and made our purchase from travelingtikes.com. They had a great selection as well but the same seat was offered at $219.99 shipping included.
Our seat arrived just a short four days later. The Britax's owners manual was easy to read and the seat installation with the LATCH system was simple to install. However I found it a little more difficult TETHER the seat in the rear facing postion. Once installed the seat was very secure and did not have any movement as compared to the our Graco infant seat.
Our son seemed to be so happy from the get go. The harnesess were easy to adjust and we liked the fact that there was excellent side wall protection. I especially liked how soft the fabric is to the skin and the belly pad that adds a little extra comfort to the legs from the belt buckle in case it may get hot from direct sun light.
We are very happy with our purchase and highly recommend this seat to all.
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