This race lives up to the hype. It was my first marathon and was a thrill from start to finish and although I carried headphones with me, I didn't need music at all. The crowd support along the whole route was incredible. I burst into tears when I approached the iconic finish line in Central Park. The course itself is tough, with many bridges even in the last part of the race, and crowded from start to finish. After the finish line, you will have to walk about a mile before you're allowed to exit the park. Keep this in mind and don't expect to get a heat sheet or your checked bag right away. (Although I recommend skipping checked bag and getting a fleece-lined poncho instead!) If you don't mind large crowds and don't mind an early wake-up for a later race start, put this one on your bucket list!