My friends and colleagues have mentioned MB Marathon to me for the past four years and only did I have interest to run it this year because: it's the only spring race I could squeeze in my schedule as a fifth year (fourth year-transfer) grad student and it's in-state, so less travel, less expenses. The registration is pretty affordable and the rates for the official hotels are pretty low given that it's off-season, in comparison to big city races I've run before. Not to mention, the course is ABSOLUTELY flat! I'd say even flatter than Chicago (course during my first full in 2011) or Rock n Roll Savannah (although I did switch to half but the half and full course did go up a flyover). Support for the participants was great! Shuttles from/to official hotels are provided, the runner expo was centrally located and only a short walk from major official hotels, course support and aid stations were plenty and the volunteers and spectators were very cheerful! I guess the only things that runners have to really watch out for are: potholes, can't blame the race organizers as it is a common problem in South Carolina; the sun rising which can be blinding for marathoners from mile 8 to 17, so bring shades if you're like me who loves eye protection and will squint if you have no shades on (which was what happened to me); and maybe the wind, given that it's a flat, seaside course so don't be fooled that just because it is a flat course you're gonna cut down on hill intervals.