I have an interesting take on this marathon because I've run it almost the whole course but as part of a relay team. The beginning is through downtown Frederick. I've not run this part, but I've heard that people like it for the small town homey feel. Last year, I ran miles 14-23 as my leg and that takes you through a park and up some pretty significant hills. I couldn't imagine running them as part of the full, but you're in good shape- you just have to be ready for them. Two years ago, I ran miles 18- the finish ( the legs were different lengths back then) This part of the course has been criticized because it's on a freeway for a good part of it, but the finish is in the stadium, which is cool. Overall, I like this race, but again, I've never run the full thing.