This was my very first marathon (as I write this, I have completed 20+). I really wasn't sure what to expect, but I don't think I could have asked for a much better experience for my first race. The race has a huge net downhill through the whole race, but some challenging rollers about halfway through. Running down the highway doesn't offer much scenery, and the crown on the highway puts one foot slightly lower than the other which can really start to hurt after a dozen miles.