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.

Experience the 5 boroughs (Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Manhattan) while running with thousands of loud spectators screaming together with 50,000 other runners!!! The experience with WOW you and I'm pretty sure you will never run out of good things to say about NYCM. Totally my number one marathon destination, if I could run it every year, I would. Highly recommended! Oh, don't forget to write your name on your shirt. You'll be glad you did!!!

I ran my first marathon here in 2010. I also ran my first half marathon in 2009 which is really difficult because of the hills. I think it was easier when I ran the marathon the following year as I thought it was flatter. It can get congested somewhere when half/full runners merge towards the last miles. The expo is great! The shirt is awesome! The race happens on Saturdays if that is your preference! Highly recommend the Baltimore Marathon!