My favorite race. The main reason is it is a party so it helps with the mental game of running a marathon. I will note that the weather is generally cold so bring some cold gear. In 2018 it was 32 degree. The expo has always been amazing, I have been running this race since 2016. There are always vendors giving out a lot of free stuff and awesome vendors providing services prior to the race like PT. I really like how you can try out and exchange your participant item because you never know. The morning of the race is always a party with loud music and people ready to run. I really like the confetti canons at the beginning of each wave. It is a great way to pump up the runners and make the runners in the back feel special like the ones in the front. The course is definitely not flat but if you train well you will have no problem. Just warning, your running race may become a drinking walk...there are so much free alcohol on the course that it can get you a little tipsy. Either way in 2018 I really needed it. I don't drink while running but that year at mile 16 it was so cold that I needed something to keep me warm and that helped. The back half is definitely well supported and with some funny props from the local community. I will say it is mentally hard to split off from the half marathoners at around 12 miles and then have to go the opposite direction of the finish line. The finish line was awesome and a lot of people cheering you on. I was a little disappointed that the pizza was cold when I finished and there wasn't any option in terms of real food. They do have various snacks and hydration for you to take with you. I am always impressed with the medals, every year is special and the reason why I am always going back. This is a race to not miss and if you get in early the price is very reasonable. If you take on the challenge of a 5K on Saturday you get a finisher coin.