I’d say it was a good event for a first-timer as there’s a bit of everything but nothing too extreme.
I’ve done it a few times and used a 29er hardtail (Whyte 29-C) which works well as the first 10(ish) miles (Point of Ayre to Ballaugh) are on the road and there’s a fair bit of fast open trails and plenty of climbing.
The course changes a bit each year (depending on the cooperation of land owners) but it’s usually just over 40 miles in total and you’ll be cheered on all the way to the beach-front finish in Port Erin by enthusiastic spectators 🙂