To be honest I've never paid attention to the water stations, I've no idea where they are but presume maybe Cold Cotes? And then Ribblehead?
I've done it 4 times now and 2 years I've found great groups on the road, and 2 years I've been stuck with folk who wouldn't pull their turn. Last year I worked to Whernside with a top Wharfedale fell runner, and then down to Horton with a current World Masters mountain champion, so my own general experience is that fell runners seem honest enough to do their turn, and also appreciate that they need the group help to hold their own on the road sections.
It's the ones in cycling club kit you've got to watch out for as they try and sneak a rest before they take a kicking up on the fells )
Absolutely top day out so make the most of your first time - the usual saying is that the first time is a recce and then you can race it in the years after. I often find with these things as with tough fell races though, if you don't get caught up with personal expectations, you often perform better than you thought possible. My first year is still my 2nd best time.
Word of warning that the most dangerous part of the race is the first few miles to Horton, hundreds of people riding like complete fools in a tight bunch, it's horrible for a while.
Oh - and get to the start line early unless you want to start at the very back!!
Good luck )