Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
I thought the people running the marathon were very friendly and encouraging at the turns. I did find it odd and I guess I just did not see this info on the website but there were no cups at the water stations. You needed your own cup. Odd. But I have a hydration belt but I'm not sure how that affected others, I did not see many with cups. The half marathon is what most sign up for, after the first 13.1 is done you are literally on your own, very few runners or spectators for the remaining 13.1.
And a word, this is solid hills and drops in elevation. The image on the website makes the elevation look flat with rolling hills. These hills are not rolling hills.
Train for steep declines and inclines. There is a steady climb near the end of the race.