I actually did the Aloha Readiness Series races a few different years. These are very basic and done very cheaply ("bring your own toilet paper" cheap and yes, there is a story to go with that!) But their intention is to help you train for a longer race and

Easy to get there, easy to manage. Great crowds but also plenty of quiet stretches. Great medals. Great array of food at the finish including coffee cups of chicken broth, much appreciated on a cold, windy day. I could come to Philly and do this race every year.

By far the best race I've ever run. The hills made the whole experience so painful and the crowds made the whole experience so worth it there is nothing I could suggest NYC marathon improve. The expo was really good compared to Chicago's 2016 and the atmosphere at the finish line