Competitive Intelligence
Real advantage comes from knowing what others don’t. Marathon Strategies helps organizations identify hidden risks, understand who’s shaping the narrative, and pressure-test decisions before they’re made public.
Uncover Insights & Strengthen Communications
Marathon Strategies’ competitive intelligence practice gives organizations an information advantage their competitors lack. Using publicly available sources, Marathon’s intelligence team uncovers critical information, exposes reputational risks before they surface, maps opponent networks and agendas, and delivers original research that drives headlines and sharpens business strategy.
From due diligence on new partnerships and executive hires to understanding the actors and funding behind opposition campaigns, Marathon’s competitive intelligence work goes deeper than standard research – combining investigative rigor with strategic communications expertise to turn intelligence into action.
Uncover Reputational Landmines
Major business decisions – from partnerships and acquisitions to executive hires and investments – can carry hidden reputational risks. Marathon conducts in-depth due diligence using publicly available information to identify potential vulnerabilities before they become public problems.
Our team investigates the backgrounds, affiliations, and past activities of individuals and organizations to surface issues that could trigger negative coverage or stakeholder backlash. By uncovering risks early, we help organizations move forward with confidence and avoid unwanted headlines.
Understand Opponents & Agendas
Organizations facing criticism often struggle to understand who is driving the opposition and why. Marathon analyzes the actors, networks, and motivations behind coordinated criticism.
Using publicly available sources, we map relationships, funding streams, communications strategies, and influence networks to reveal how opponents operate and where their pressure points lie. These insights allow organizations to anticipate challenges, counter misinformation, and engage critics with greater strategic clarity.
Protect Messaging & Campaigns
High-profile initiatives – such as a major advertising campaign, policy advocacy effort, or public event – can quickly attract scrutiny from critics, journalists, and stakeholders. Marathon helps organizations pressure-test these initiatives to identify potential vulnerabilities that could undermine the effort.
By examining how key audiences may respond, we surface risks tied to messaging, partners, spokespersons, and supporting claims. These insights allow organizations to refine their approach, strengthen their messaging, and move forward with campaigns that are prepared for scrutiny.
Discover Insights That Drive Headlines
Original research can shape the conversation and establish organizations as authoritative voices on critical issues. Marathon designs and executes data-driven research projects that uncover new insights and transform them into compelling narratives.
We translate these findings into reports, white papers, and other thought leadership that capture media attention, inform policy debates, and equip organizations with insights that influence the broader conversation.
Featured Insights
Original research and strategic insights designed to give leaders an information advantage.
Corporate Verdicts Go Thermonuclear: 2025 Edition
Marathon Strategies’ annual analysis of corporate litigation shows that “nuclear verdicts” – jury awards of $10 million or more – have become not just legal challenges but significant reputational and enterprise risks.
The Information Gap Hollywood Can’t Afford
Studios invest millions in talent, production, and awards campaigns. But when high-stakes decisions are made without complete information, the results can be devastating. In every case below, the information existed – it just wasn’t surfaced in time.
Meet The Freshmen
An in-depth look of the new members of the 119th Congress and their stances on the key issues and policy debates.
Why Marathon Strategies?
Communicating on instinct or incomplete information creates risk. Marathon gives organizations the information advantage to communicate with confidence and drive outcomes.
Our Integrated SOlUTIONS
Talk To Our Team
Whether you’re looking to raise your profile, advance a public affairs effort, or navigate a reputational challenge, Marathon helps organizations communicate with greater clarity and confidence.