I'm lucky that the "People's Marathon" is local to me. I've run MCM 8 times now (from 2011 to 2018) and completed 7 times (DNF in 2017 due to major cramping, PR in 2013, worse record in 2018). Run it 5 times and you don't have to worry about the lottery. The course is advertised as flat, but also the most difficult course based on my experience. The first few miles (4 miles) are hilly and congested. If you are late, you end up zig zagging to avoid slower runners, you'll end up tired from miles 8 to 20 where you hit the long bridge (around 2 miles). Be ready for this, otherwise, it will be a struggle until the end. Overall, this is a must for every marathoner. It is painful but worth the wait in the finish line where marines hand you over the finishers medal.