Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
This was my first marathon last year, and I loved it! Lots of energy from the crowds at basically all points throughout the marathon, fun views, and water breaks every 2 miles are super helpful. It can also connect to the RaceJoy app that gives updates about your estimated finish time every mile, and friends/family can send you little audio messages throughout the race if they can't see you in person. :)
I feel like this one is pretty flat despite the 600 ft of elevation gain. My training partner accomplished a near perfect even split, and I was able to negative split. Only hill I really noticed and that really sucked was on mile 23, but they had Team Milk cheering runners up the entire way. Don't go out too hot, don't weave around runners, and just have a blast!
I had someone drop us off at the race because parking isn't great for the actual race!