Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Aid stations were consistent but water not not easy to grab in the mid to later aid stations of the marathon. (When needed most) . A few cups held out in a row then a few electrolyte. Made it difficult to run thru and get multiple sips in. which is best when racing. I recommend having more held out and space them out a little. Put water on one side/electrolyte on the other side if that works with the station set up. Those miles 15-23 is when hydration stations really are necessary! Thankful for the honey stinger gel offered at one of the latter stations. That was very helpful at that point as I realized I had dropped one and was one short for the rest of my race.
Bring a warm layer or arm warmers for start. That you can shed. It was cold. The first half is easy to run (a bit too) fast….pace for miles of steady rollers. (miles 15-23.) save something for the last big hill. It’s long. The last 1.5 miles down hill is a breeze to the finish line.