First marathon ever and loved this race. Hypothermia warnings on the course made racing a bit challenging, but I'll take cool over hot any day. Great volunteers, amazing pacers, beautiful scenery. GREAT first marathon experience! Duluth is beautiful and lots of fun post-race things to do! Hotels are pretty pricey, but we stayed in a suburb for a fraction of the cost and didn't regret it as travel to the busses in the morning was seamless!