Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
I ran this inaugural event. This course is the hardest road marathon I have done. My Garmin 935 measured a whopping 4100ft. elevation climb!!! Not a pr course. The last 2 miles were 2 long steep hills. But, plenty of support on course, friendly volunteers, well marked course. I had a fun day but wow! really hard. I ran into one of the race directors today and he told me that this year's race will have the course reversed. I think doing it that way would be more fun.
Run slower than your normal marathon pace, at least 30 seconds per mile to start. The hills will fatigue your legs. Do lots of hill training for this one.
Park at the finish, take the free bus to the start.