Not a first-time marathoner's course! It's July, so it was hot. There is an option to go at 5:30am (but you have to hit this when you register if you're time is predicted to be over 5hrs). It's hilly. While overall elevation says it goes down, those are some big rolling hills. The winner this year was 3:07:and change. While the volunteers did a wonderful job and aid stations were great (no food, just water/gatorade), it was tough (again). The medal seems a little chincey (if that bothers you), nice shirt, and I am going to end up paying the extra $3 for the timer chip because nobody took it off my shoe... yes I was one of the last ones :).

Very little shade through the first half of the race, and while I kept getting told there was shade ahead, it took a while to feel it, and by then I was drained.

This doesn't mean I won't be back, but I know it won't be for the full marathon.