It is really cold at the start of the race. Bring plenty of layers and the space blanket they give you. Before you start take off the layers and put them in your race bag. (they are very efficient getting your bag after the race). This course is faster in theory than reality. Using previous races, my training times and an online calculator at findmymarathon.com, I estimated I could run this course in 3:15, in reality, 3:25 was probably the pace I should have targeted. Obviously, this is a fast course, just not that fast. The hills are too steep to take full advantage of. Crystal Inn was nice place to stay, it is only 1 mile from finis-/ so I walked back after the race.