Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
This was my first marathon so take this with a grain on salt. I thought this was a lovely smaller sized marathon. Roughly 270 people participated, around 80 did the full marathon. There were water stations every 2 miles and plenty of portapottys along the way (though I never used any). Course was very gentle rolling hills, exactly what you would expect from Maine. It is an out and back, so you go 13.1 miles out of the city down a country road and then turn around and head back. Its great cause around the halfway point you are able to count how many people are ahead of you (it was only then that I realized I was in 7th place). Seeing everyone coming the other way is awesome everyone was cheering and supportive. Lots of opportunities for family members and support people to pull over and cheer you on along the course. Its nice because it ends where you started. Bangor is a nice city. Third largest city in Maine!
I know nothing about pace. My goal was to be under 4 hours and I ended up with 3hrs 28min 43sec. Expect the weather to be unpredictable. It was not supposed to rain and it drizzled the entire time. Prepare for rolling hills, though I used to live in Pittsburgh so it seemed pretty flat to me.
Parking is abundant near the start/finish. Free parking at the casino. There is a great BBQ place in Brewer called Smokey's. I had the 4 meat platter for two after the race. If you picked up your race packet ahead of time you really only need to show up to the race start with ~15min to spare.