This was my first marathon, and it turned out to be a great place to start. It's small and scenic, and given the small size, the staff was able to give me some personal attention, even coming by a few times during those tough miles from 18-22 and calling me by name (and no, it was not on the bib). Since I live just across the river in Vermont, it also meant that I could have lots of friends and family out supporting me - and given the small size, there are no road closures so they could freely drive around to meet me at multiple points. The first half is lovely country roads and a quick out and back over the top of Surry Dam, with fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. The second half winds through the small college town of Keene along quiet streets, with some fun diversions through a cemetary and along the bike path that winds from Wheelock Park to Court St, and ends near downtown on the Keene State College campus. The free massage was a wonderful treat - something I have never since been able to partake of as the lines at other marathons are too long, but I barely had to wait 10 minutes here. I have since gone back to run the half when they added it; the race is bigger now, of course, but still small and manageable.