hey there - also doing philly - my first - coming from central joisey - anyway - i don't think it will be an advantage or disadvantage really - at least for me i don't think it would be - because with distance running - its one step at a time either way you slice it - maybe for an elite competitor it could effect strategy - but not for the rest of us - if you went out too fast in your half then you had the same experience as i did in sept in jersey city - got too excited and tried pacing w a pack of much faster runners - did it for 2 miles and got burnt - i learned - run my own race - i will probably try to pace with someone but will be more selective or less aggressive - especially as i will be wearing vibrams - they are 'untested' over such a distance for me although i feel they are up to the task - anyways - good luck and enjoy

I don't think knowing the course will be an advantage while running.  However, living within walking distance of the start can reduce some of the typical race day stress:  where to park, getting a little extra rest, etc.

Durunner,

I am also running Philly, also my first marathon, and it's also my home course. I agree that knowing and/or running the course is that much of an advantage physically, but mentally, i think it's huge. I think it will reduce anxiety knowing what you're facing in terms of the course, while we won't REALLY know what we're facing with the marathon experience.

And I agree that living w/in walking distance is certainly a nice plus. I live in the suburbs, about 20-30 mins outside of the city. Not walking distance for me, but easy enough to have my Mom/Dad drive me to the race & drop me off w/no parking worries.

Best of luck!

Jeanie