I say it's the best for your first, however the only downside is no other race can compare to it.
A) A Race like you have never done before
B) It's not about the speed... It's about the journey.
C) Stop for the pictures
D) Make sure you have a good Proof of time. If you are doing the half you need a good 10K time for the full you need a 1/2 time, so plan one that you go as fast as you can to qualify into a better corral
E) The Kids 1 miler wasn't worth losing 3 hours in the parks... do the 5k with them and just make sure you keep a good pace.
F) Plan for COLD and WINDY weather bring stuff to toss