Meaningful, commemorative race. Registration includes admission to the museum--I went the day before the marathon and learned a lot about the bombing and the victims.

Lots of hotels within a 15-minute walk of the starting and finish lines, making this an easy race logistically. Several good restaurants as well (even for solo diners!).

Many more half marathoners than full, so the course feels a lot more empty after the split. But, great volunteers and energetic spectators (particularly on gorilla hill, where spectators hand out bananas). 2017 was a really windy day, which you especially felt during the time around the lake.