Marathon gas stations are owned and branded by Marathon Petroleum Corporation, an independent, publicly traded refining and fuel marketing company.
Marathon operates more than 7,000 branded stations across the United States, making it one of the largest fuel retail networks anywhere in the country, though most individual stations are actually run by independent business owners.
Marathon Petroleum has grown significantly over the past decade, most notably by selling its Speedway convenience store chain to 7-Eleven in 2021 for 21 billion dollars while keeping the Marathon fuel brand itself.
But if Marathon sold off Speedway, does that mean the Marathon name at the pump is going away too?
This article will explore who owns Marathon gas stations today, the Speedway sale, how the franchise stations work, and how Marathon compares to other major fuel brands.
So let’s get started.
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Who Owns Marathon Gas Stations Today
Marathon Petroleum Corporation owns the Marathon brand, with retail details available on its official retail operations page.
Marathon Petroleum trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange, with ownership spread across institutional and individual shareholders rather than a single controlling family.
The company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, and operates one of the largest refining systems in the United States alongside its retail fuel brand. Readers can compare that structure with our guide on who owns Costco gas stations, a very different retail fuel model.
Marathon and the Speedway Sale to 7-Eleven
In 2021, Marathon Petroleum sold its Speedway convenience store chain, roughly 3,900 locations, to 7-Eleven parent company Seven and I Holdings for 21 billion dollars, a deal confirmed on the Fortune company profile of Marathon Petroleum.
That sale involved Speedway’s convenience stores specifically, not the Marathon branded fuel stations that remain a separate part of Marathon Petroleum’s retail business.
Marathon used proceeds from the Speedway sale to pay down debt and return capital to shareholders, a common move after a company divests a major business unit, according to Wikipedia.
How Marathon Branded Gas Stations Are Franchised
Most Marathon branded stations are owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs who license the Marathon name and buy fuel supply through the company.
This franchise structure is common across the fuel retail industry, similar to what we cover in our guide on who owns Sunoco gas stations.
Because franchise owners control day to day operations, the look and quality of individual Marathon stations can vary significantly from one location to another.
Marathon vs Casey’s General Stores
Marathon and Casey’s General Stores both operate large fuel networks in the Midwest, but their business models differ in a few key ways.
Marathon leans heavily on its refining operations to supply fuel directly to its branded stations, while Casey’s focuses more on food service and convenience items to drive store visits. Readers can see that comparison directly in our guide on who owns Royal Farms gas stations, another regional convenience chain.
Both brands rely on a mix of company operated and franchised locations, though the exact ratio varies by region and market.
Is Marathon a Good Gas Station Brand
Marathon has a solid reputation for fuel quality, backed by the company’s own refining network rather than relying entirely on third party fuel suppliers.
Customer experience varies by location since most stations are independently franchised, but the brand consistently ranks well in regional fuel quality surveys.
Overall, Marathon is considered a dependable major fuel brand, especially in the Midwest and Southeast where its refining and distribution network is strongest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon Gas Stations
Who owns Marathon gas stations now?
Marathon gas stations are owned and branded by Marathon Petroleum Corporation, a publicly traded refining and fuel marketing company headquartered in Ohio.
Did 7-Eleven buy Marathon gas stations?
No, 7-Eleven bought Marathon’s Speedway convenience store chain in 2021, not the Marathon branded fuel stations, which Marathon Petroleum still owns.
Are Marathon gas stations independently owned?
Most individual Marathon stations are run by independent franchise owners who license the Marathon brand and purchase fuel through the company.
Is Marathon related to Marathon Oil?
Marathon Petroleum and Marathon Oil were originally part of the same company before splitting apart in 2011, and Marathon Oil was later acquired by ConocoPhillips in 2024.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.