As written above, you are in pole position.
I've run it twice, both from left top side of bridge. Think it was orange.
I was corral or two back, and although there was crowd, pace was non-issue. First mile split to second mile was huge though. May have been minute faster on second without any effort.
I really enjoyed the experience. The Verrazano is a treat. The Queensborough was my Waterloo both times.
What does suck, is the pen they put you in before they take you up to bridge. A lot of waiting around.
All in all, that race is certainly not the easiest puzzle on the shelf.
If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere...