Nice way to see the city. Definitely some hills to deal with about halfway through. Long section of out and back the last half allows you to see a lot of other runners, which is welcome after a somewhat quiet section from about mile 8-13. Nothing much going on after you finish, especially for slower runners. Pre-ordering race swag was a joke--nothing from my order had been pulled aside for me even though I had paid for it and they did not have several items. Temps were perfect and city is very walkable.

MCM is truly an inspiring race with magnificent sights. I ran it as my 2nd marathon and I really enjoyed a large race after having done my hometown marathon for my first (Buffalo). Lots of company for back of the packers. Great expo and an incredibly well organized race. Can be a little warm. Makes a great destination race. A must-do.

Not worth travelling for but if this is your hometown you should do it once. Shirts typically suck especially if you are a smaller woman. Medals in 2016 were blah and 2017 rather hideous. Race is typically HOT. For slower runners the second half is LONELY! Still, running down the middle of Delaware Avenue toward the finish is pretty great, even if you are all by yourself :)