​​​About The Marathon News

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The Voice of the Free State

The Marathon News is an independent digital news platform dedicated to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news from communities across the Free State Province of South Africa.

Our mission is to ensure that every community has a voice. From major cities to small towns, we believe every story matters and deserves to be told with fairness, integrity, and professionalism.

We proudly report on news from Bloemfontein, Zastron, Wepener, Rouxville, Smithfield, Thaba Nchu, Welkom, and every town and community throughout the Free State.

Whether it is breaking news, community achievements, public service announcements, or inspiring local stories, The Marathon News is committed to keeping residents informed and connected.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to provide trustworthy, unbiased, and community-focused journalism that informs, educates, and empowers the people of the Free State.

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We strive to:

• Deliver accurate and verified news.

• Promote transparency and accountability.

• Highlight positive community initiatives.

• Give a voice to local residents.

• Encourage informed public discussion.

• Strengthen community engagement through responsible journalism.

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Our Vision

To become the most trusted and respected digital news platform in the Free State by producing credible journalism that connects communities and promotes positive social change.

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What We Cover

The Marathon News provides comprehensive coverage across a wide range of topics, including:

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Breaking News

Stay informed with the latest developments as they happen across the province.

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Crime & Public Safety

Professional reporting on criminal investigations, court proceedings, law enforcement activities, road incidents, and public safety matters.

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Community News

Stories that celebrate local people, schools, churches, municipalities, organisations, businesses, and community initiatives.

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Social & Human Interest Stories

Inspiring stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, local heroes, family achievements, and community development.

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Sports

Coverage of school sports, local leagues, community tournaments, provincial competitions, athletics, football, rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, and more.

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Entertainment & Lifestyle

Updates on local events, music, arts, culture, festivals, personalities, fashion, and entertainment.

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Business & Economy

News affecting entrepreneurs, local businesses, agriculture, employment, investments, and economic development within the province.

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Opinion & Analysis

Thought-provoking opinions and commentary that encourage constructive public discussion while respecting diverse viewpoints.

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Our Coverage Areas

Our journalists report from communities across the Free State, including:

• Bloemfontein

• Zastron

• Wepener

• Rouxville

• Smithfield

• Thaba Nchu

• Welkom

• Bethlehem

• Kroonstad

• Sasolburg

• Parys

• Virginia

• Odendaalsrus

• Harrismith

• Ficksburg

• Ladybrand

• Senekal

• Bothaville

• Winburg

• Bultfontein

• Hoopstad

• Villiers

• Trompsburg

• Edenburg

• Excelsior

• Philippolis

• Dewetsdorp

• and every other town throughout the Free State Province.

 

Our Editorial Standards

Trust is earned through responsible journalism.

Every story published by The Marathon News follows strict editorial principles:

• Accuracy before speed.

• Verification through credible and reliable sources.

• Fair, balanced, and impartial reporting.

• Respect for privacy and human dignity.

• Clear distinction between factual reporting and opinion.

• Prompt corrections where necessary.

Our editorial team is committed to ethical journalism and continuously works to ensure our reporting meets high professional standards.

 

Our Journalists

The Marathon News is powered by a dedicated team of professional journalists, editors, photographers, videographers, and digital media specialists who are passionate about serving Free State communities.

Our reporters spend time in the communities they cover, building trusted relationships and reporting stories that matter most to local residents.

Through responsible journalism, our team seeks to inform, inspire, and strengthen community engagement.

 

Why Readers Trust The Marathon News

Our growing audience relies on Marathon News because we are committed to:

• Fast and reliable reporting.

• Independent journalism.

• Local knowledge and community understanding.

• Ethical reporting standards.

• Accurate and fact-checked information.

• Balanced reporting from multiple perspectives.

• Coverage of stories often overlooked by larger media outlets.

 

Community First

The Marathon News believes journalism should serve the public interest.

We encourage community members, schools, businesses, organisations, and local leaders to share newsworthy stories, events, achievements, and important announcements.

Together, we can ensure that every community across the Free State is represented and informed.

 

Advertise With Us

Looking to promote your business, organisation, event, or service?

Marathon News offers effective digital advertising opportunities that help businesses reach thousands of readers throughout the Free State.

Our advertising solutions are designed to connect local businesses with local communities through strategic and engaging campaigns.

 

Get Involved

Have a breaking story?

Witnessed an important event?

Want to share a community success story?

We welcome news tips, photographs, videos, and story suggestions from members of the public. Every submission is carefully reviewed by our editorial team before publication.

 

Our Commitment

At The Marathon News, journalism is more than reporting events—it is about connecting communities, promoting transparency, celebrating local success, and providing reliable information that helps people make informed decisions.

We are proud to serve the Free State and remain committed to reporting the stories that matter, with professionalism, integrity, and respect.

Marathon News — Keeping the Free State Connected

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Ethics

Our journalists adhere to professional journalism ethics by:

• Respecting human dignity.

• Protecting vulnerable individuals.

• Avoiding discrimination.

• Respecting privacy where appropriate.

• Reporting responsibly on crime and tragedy.

• Avoiding sensationalism.

 

Anonymous Sources

Anonymous sources are used only when:

• Information is in the public interest.

• The source faces legitimate risk.

• The information has been independently verified where possible.

 

Artificial Intelligence

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Artificial intelligence tools may occasionally assist with research, transcription, or language editing.

All published content is reviewed and approved by human editors before publication.

 

Editorial Independence

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The Marathon News does not endorse political parties or candidates through its news reporting.

Opinion articles clearly represent the views of their respective authors.

 

Use of Cookies

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A "cookie" is a file sent to your browser by a web server and stored on your computer, it contains data that web sites use to identify you as a unique user.

Companies which advertise on our site may collect information from you if you click on their advertisements or access their sites. They may do this by using cookies. Due to the way the internet operates, we cannot control this collection of information. Most web browsers are initially set up to accept cookies. You can change the settings of your browser to refuse all cookies or to notify you each time a cookie is sent to your computer, giving you the choice whether to accept it or not.

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Email​

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We receive and reply to email from users on a regular basis. For record-keeping purposes, we retain copies of all incoming and outgoing email. Information in the email we receive or send will not be disclosed to any third party without the permission of the sender, either express or implied, unless required by law.

 

Links

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themarathonnews.com site may contain a number of links to external sites. Please be aware that these external sites are developed by people over whom we have no control, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. This Privacy Policy applies only to the marathonnews.com site.

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Changes to the Privacy Policy​

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We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time at our discretion and without notice. If we do, an updated version of this Privacy Policy will be made available on this site so that you remain aware of the data we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.