This race is probably one of the more scenic and beautiful races I have run.
As a matter of fact Jeff Galloway was at the race with me and remarked on the community support and scenery being 2 of the reasons this makes his must run marathon list.
The good: Everything. Seriously though they do a fantastic job of supporting you and providing resources and well it's a very scenic course.
The bad: Well I get think of almost a 1000 badd things every foot of elevation change.

Don't get me wrong the toughest road marathon designation is what made me want to do this race. But somewhere Around peak number 3 you wonder what you got yourself into...
Registration is pretty simple it's administered by active.com and they allow you to add the amenities such as Vip which I recommend and post race concert while you're registering.
There is also the ability to tack on the slowest 5K..A post race walk..And you also have the ability to register well in advance and save some cash or up until the Monday before and spend all your money...hint hint...

Communication from the race director and staff is not overloading or overbearing they do a good job with timely announcements and reminders.

I didn't go to the expo this year. I'm kind of bummed out by that but it isn't a big deal because they offer race day pick up for your bib and T-shirt. I remember it being kind of small last year but it's still nice to walk around and see what local vendors are offering as well as some of the partnerships that the race has.
Packet pick up in the morning was really easy and everyone receipt for pleasant bag check was easyAnd even though this is a pretty big race it had all the hospitality of a local race.
Parking if you get there early is free at the parking lot right next to the finish line... Guess what I did...

The course:
It is well marked.
there's hundreds of volunteers...I think over 600 volunteers.
the aid stations are stocked with Gu, water, electrolytes, bananas, oranges and a couple of mimosas.
The best part about the course is the community involvement. I think that's the best part about the race.

The finish festival in my opinion rivals that of a rock and roll race. Of course there's a massage and stretch station and of course there is water and chocolate milk... But there's pizza bagels trail mix...
There are ice baths for your feet!!!!
Kiddie pools filled with ice and water!!

Of course there's beer and I'm as much a fan of Michelob Ultra as the next guy but the Variety of craft brews available are amazing.
The concert is amazing
And I recommend you splurge on the VIP area because it is cool to have your own special area your own private keg of beer.

New will question your sanity while running this race the line the race is over you'll be glad you did it and you'll be itching to sign up again