Marathon Fatigue Hits Hardest at the 18-Mile Mark
Runners hitting 70% of the New York City course face significant withdrawal risks as physical exhaustion peaks.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Running
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During the 2025 New York City Marathon, 203 participants withdrew from the race within a 0.64-mile stretch starting at mile 18. This specific segment in Manhattan has become a frequent point of departure for runners reaching their physical and mental limits.
Why it matters
Understanding why runners stop at this stage, which marks 70% of the course, helps participants better prepare for the fatigue that follows the strenuous Queensboro Bridge. Knowing the course geography allows runners to anticipate where their endurance may be most tested.
Official data from the 2025 New York City Marathon shows 203 runners dropped out between mile 18 and 30K, a 0.64-mile stretch along First Avenue. The specific factors leading each runner to stop at this juncture remain under investigation.
The details
At the 18-mile mark, runners have completed 70% of the total marathon distance, leaving them highly vulnerable to exhaustion after the incline of the Queensboro Bridge. Runners frequently choose to stop in this Upper East Side stretch because of its convenient exit points and access to local services. This segment precedes the course's foray into The Bronx and the subsequent Willis Avenue Bridge, making it a critical decision point for those feeling depleted.
Timeline
203 runners dropped out between mile 18 and 30K during the 2025 New York City Marathon.
Health Landscape
Distance running research often focuses on the 'wall' typically encountered by endurance athletes near the 20-mile mark. The trend of high withdrawal rates at mile 18 reinforces the importance of strategic pacing and mid-race nutrition to maintain physiological homeostasis.
If you are training for long-distance events, recognize that mile 18 often represents a physiological tipping point where glycogen depletion manifests as extreme fatigue. Discuss your specific race-day nutrition strategy and cardiovascular preparation with your doctor to manage endurance risks.
The takeaway
Recognizing your physical limits before reaching the 20-mile marker is vital for a safe marathon experience. Listen to your body for signs of extreme fatigue and discuss potential race-day health strategies with a physician during your pre-event training.
Further reading
Learn more about pacing and endurance on our Running page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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