Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
If you are looking for a race that has the usual pomp and circumstance (excitement and motivating spectators), this isn't the one. It felt like a weekend distance run instead of a race. Literally no one on the course in terms of spectators, and it's very small in terms of runners. The post race activities were a letdown too. Those who ran the 5K and half probably had a better experience, but by the time the marathoners were finishing, food was scarce, good drinks were gone, and they were already breaking down the event as if to say "you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here".
Course has a few rolling hills. I brought my own hydration belt with my own gels. Definitely glad I did and would suggest that for this race.
There a several hotels just 15-20 minutes up the road. I stayed at the Hampton Inn. Staff was friendly but the condition of the hotel was not up to the usual Hilton standard.
One of the course marshalls directed the first group of marathon runners in the wrong direction, so many of us ran an extra 2.5 miles in between miles 1 and 2 - a total disaster. This led to a lot of confusion during the race (i.e., we rejoined the right marathon course at the back of the pack, watches and mile markers way off).
A few miles later another course marshall said they'd honor your Strava watch time rather than chip and at the half marathon turnoff (where I bailed a ran a 15.9M "half") a third course marshall explained that they created another finish line at 23.9M to accommodate the miles from the bad directions. Anyone looking to BQ or PR can find a better organized race.
Run a different race that is managed competently.
Friendly people and meet up in the hangar with an SR-71.
It is all up to you. No pacers so start slow and keep your pace. It is relatively flat until you are tired and then you notice rolling hills. Hardly any shade and even Jan. can get hot. Hydrate!
The location was quite impressive, first time running on an active military base and the was quite motivational. I knew going into the race that there was not going to be many spectators, so that wasn't a problem. However, wasn't impressed with the delayed start, and also it appeared that some of the water stations where taken down on the second loop, and it once instance one was moved to a 1/2 mile interval. This made it hard to control hydration.
After the race asked the medical tent for ice, and all they were able to provide was a medical glove with a little ice tied up in it, Thought that was a little odd.
Unfortunately, I will not attend this race in the future,
Overall impressed with the location, and medals, but disappointed in the organizers.
The course is relatively flat with some hills throw in, nothing really too troublesome. Would recommend sunscreen on sunny days as this was, since there was little shade. Also, I would suggest carrying your own hydration and fuel rather than relying on organizers, at best the water stations were 2 miles apart (which they were there), water and Gatorade, one table with oranges and bananas .
Stayed in a local hotel, staff were friendly and allowed for late checkout, allowing time to go back and shower before the trip back home. Also, plenty of restaurants in the area for eating after the race.
I liked the pre race area and ceremony. I did not enjoy the delayed start for the marathon. Also felt like there was not much support on the second loop for the marathon. There was no food at the marathon finish line.
I would not recommend the marathon. I wish I would have just run the half.
Decent course solid organization.
Few hills toward the end were tough.
Pretty easy getting in and getting out.
Well run with a warm reception in the museum and nice medal.
Should be cool and you can have some wind as certain areas open. There are no pacers and sparse support so try and either be very disciplined or find someone at your pace to pace with if they are OK with that. You really have to stay concentrated on form in the later stages as you tire. Stay true to your pace and don't go out to fast.
From N. Atlanta it is about 2 1/2 hour drive so either get up super early or drive down the night before and get a hotel.