Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
The course is flat and race well organized. Lots of runners keep,you company in the first half as the half marathon course is similar and starts at the same time. I've run this race several times and the weather is variable with some warm years and some cooler years. The wind can also be a factor some years. The runners are very spread out in the second half.
Almost everyone drives to the start. Allow a little extra time to park. Start line is about 2 miles or so from downtown hotels.