Be prepared for a chilly, not at all comfortable spot waiting for the start. If you are willing to risk it, don't take one of the first buses up the hill, that only increases your wait time in the dark and cold. I'm vegetarian, so our hunt for restaurants was difficult. Found really REALLY good Indian/Nepalese food at Kathmandu (3142 S. Highland). Ate good Japanese at Suehiro, right behind the finish line. Carbo loaded at Siragusa's, which was OK, but not a prize winner. These are all near the Hawthorne Suites, where we stayed, near the finish line.