In response to needing to make covid related accommodations, this race was fantastic:
Staggered start.
Socially distanced and prepared post-event food/prizes.
Aid stations with bottles of water, not cups.

Non-covid related comments:
In true Runner Created / Managed events, enough porta-potties for everyone to feel relieved...

The course:
The marathon course this year was a double loop of the half. My goal is to run this again next year and qualify for Boston (this is a Boston qualifying course.)
I actually like the double-looped course and felt that it is actually a better way to run than the previous design where you're alone for 7 or so miles.
Yes there are some hills but not bad.

Race communications were fantastic leading up to the race.
Post-race communication was quick following the event and thoughtful.
The race director was very thoughtful!

Location and Expo
There was no "expo" but packet pick up was laid out well and permitted for social distancing.
In my case, they had the option to pick up the packet at the partner hotel which was even better!
There are two really good options for start/stop "roll out of bed" accommodations.
There are also two other options within a mile.
There is more than ample parking for folks who traveled the day of the race.

Aid Stations:
The aid stations didn't have "nutrition" options, but I was prepared for that. (in the current climate, I don't think supplying gels would have been a great idea.)

Pictures were free, and as a runner who has already shelled out $$ to stay at a hotel and $$ for the race, I really appreciate that!

I highly recommend this race to anyone. There are also 5K adn Half Marathon options.

What?
A jacket instead of a t-shirt?
A steak dinner post race?
Pro's : everything
Con's: Hills.

Signing up:
Sign up is administered through run sign up. Easy is you have an account.

Pre-Race communication:
The Race Director communicates, to a fault. I don't think there was anything which was left out of the pre-race emails. This was both helpful and a bit over the top; but it added personality to the race.

The race:
I stayed at the host hotel with my family. I was really excited for a 10 am start! What was really cool about the 10 AM start for runners was the walking option at 8:45 and the run wall option at 9:45.
I think, if nothing else, the ability to run your pace at a race and not be rushed or left alone on course was fantastic. The scenery was spectacular as you roll through the lakes.
My only critique was the course isn't closed.
I can live with an open course, but I can't deal with drivers barreling down the road.
I saw signs telling motorists about the race, but on the course I felt there could have been more cones or directed running on the side of the road.

Post Race. Really net little finish chute followed by an absolutely fantastic meal catered by outback steak house! WHaaat
an award ceremony and just a really great feel.
Side note: The community really gets involved and the different restaurants offer discounts with your bib!

I think this is going to be my spring race. It was kind of fun! Low key enough not to feel pressured, but really fantastic amenities.

The good: it's pretty flat and fast
The bad: where are the bathrooms?

In full disclosure, I won a social media contest for entry to this race which should make this pretty easy review... it was awesome...
Not

In true 2019 fashion. I skipped the expo. This really bummed me out because I wanted to see Des Linden and Meb. But we will cross paths again.

The Swag:
I really thought the shirt was nice this year. The race medal is the nicest measure produced medal I've received this year. The liberty bell actually rings!

Start corral
Gear check; I feel, was atrocious.
I think the RD was under the impression if you can go to whatever van you want, then linea will move faster. I just felt that was poorly executed. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I did like that everyone got a wrist band at drop off which made things a bit easier...

The course:
The first 7 miles flying by. You wrap through the city and along the water. If anything it's down hill; but mostly flat. You wrap around the zoo and cut through Fairmont park. The only problem... no restrooms.
There were some at mile 2 or 3 and maybe 6... but then nothing until 15. There were a few stops after 15 along Kelly drive but it was difficult finding a place to relieve nature's urges.
This is a good local race if you are from the area! Kelly drive can get boring. But there were a lot of spectators at Girard!

The crowd
They were there in patches. I am not certain if that's because of the weather but I just ran New York and Chicago so I was a bit bummed that it wasn't wall to wall people. There were a bunch the first mile, then there were some around the water stops.
Mile 20 was amazing because of all the people in Manayunk.

The aid stations were fully staffed! Amazing support there!

Finish festival was amazing too!!!
Massage tents which moved pretty fast! Hot soup! You cant beat that!!
Sausage or hot dogs from Deitz and Watson.

If I work from Finish line back, the race was a much better experience than from the start line forward.

I am really on the fence about recommending the race. I think if I paid for it; I would probably say no; there are better fall races. But...its not a bad race.
Just do it.