My very first Marathon and I loved it! I love races anyway so I expected to love this one. Most important for a first time marathoner: No option to downgrade to a half! Holds your foot to the peddle! GREAT crowd support! More than enough fueling/water/Gatorade stops! Parking was a bit confusing with the 10k going on at the same time and with a different start area...could confuse some to park close to 10k start rather than MCM start. A few hills in the beginning and at the very end but very flat race. We lucked up and had very good weather. No complaints and will be doing this one again!