Overall I think NYRR did a great job. They started by sending out text and email alerts notifying runners the MTA metro card machines would be down and not accepting credit cards on the morning of the race. (This could have been disastrous). The expo was a little lackluster this year, from speaking to people who attended previously it was much smaller and not much to rave about. The shirts, from New Balance were OK!
Race day was quite a breeze, while rain was predicted, we lucked out and ran in perfect conditions. Lines for the restrooms (Portables) were very long, about 30 minutes in Wave 2. It was about 58 degrees at the start of the second wave, and didn't quite warm up much. The hills in prospect park, which are fairly long, but not too steep took a toll on me, but as you leav the park ( almost mile 7), the remainder of the race is flat and downhill. Running straight down Ocean Parkway, aid stations were plentiful and very well organized. The finish at Coney Island was exciting, crowds lined the course from about mile 9 and increased as you approached the finish.
I think the snacks at the end were a little blah, the goodie bag was a bag of pretzels, a green apple, a protein bar, Gatorade and water. This probably could have been a little better.

Hopefully, they'll do something to help the cell phone signals at the finish next year, Verizon had very little signal strength due to everyone trying to connect. Perhaps, they can get some type of wifi for the day next year.
The medal was beautiful and NYRR offered free engraving on Monday and Tuesday after the race...huge bonus for me.

This is perfect first timer race. I chose this as my first race as I was told it was extremely flat...which is true.

The expo was nice, not too small, not too large. I think the entry fee is a little too high for this race, especially considering the shirt they distribute...very cheap.....the medal though, is pretty nice.

Logistically, this was a disaster. They offered the option of parking at the finish line, yet offered no shuttles to the starting line-- which was 6.5 miles away. A few of us ended up getting a ride from the cops and starting the race extremely late. I wish they would have notified runners prior to purchasing. Besides that, the race was pretty good, decent amount of crowd support along the crowd and a huge crowd lining the board walk for the finish.
Aid stations were all over and very easily accessible. The porta potties along the course could be increased as the lines were very long. The course itself was very loopy, lots of turns, but the fact that this course is flat makes it ok.
Snacks and recovery drinks/food was very plentiful and the medal is very nice.