Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
For a very small race (~200 participants) the logistics are well handled. Beautiful run along a railroad-turned-bike-path, though there's a nasty mile along the edge of a highway near mile 23 which is soul-crushing after the beauty of the prior miles.
Wear a bandana! There were several spots along the race where I was chocking on gnats that bred in nearby wetlands. Would have given anything for a bandana or face mask to filter them out.
Get an hour's extra sleep by getting a motel in Sparta.
I enjoyed running on the trail but if you're one who needs cheering this may not be for you. It is packed dirt/limestone until about mile 21 so be prepared (this site said paved). There were aid stations every 2 miles or so which was nice. This was one of the easiest courses I have run in 12 marathons.
Loved the 6am start to beat the heat. You can drive to the start but not much parking and no way to get back (hubby dropped me off). There isn't much shade so wear sunscreen. Also I'm glad I was wearing shades because between miles 18-21 there were swarms of gnats because the trail is near water. Sounds awful but wasn't that bad! The downhill looks steep on the elevation map but it was a very slight grade and didn't wreck my quads. There are 2 bridges at the end but no bad hills anywhere.
There are several hotels in a short walk to the finish and it was a nice downtown area to stay in. The after party was in a park on the MS river. We flew into and out of Minneapolis and drove to La Crosse which saved a ton on airfare.