26.2 miles.

That’s how far 36,000 runners will jog, run and sweat in this year’s 118th Boston Marathon. Along the way, they’ll be met with cheers and screams from an expected 1 million spectators – many of them slightly inebriated college students (but I digress).

The runners will also face some serious hills and challenging terrain (to which I say, no thanks) as they make their way through eight different towns including Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston.

For your reference – here’s what that 26.2 mile trek looks like on a map.

But to make your Marathon Monday easier to maneuver, we’ve taken the liberty of outlining (below) some of the best milestones along the route – as well as great places to watch.

Wellesley (halfway point)

If you’ve ever wanted to see (and hear) Wellesley’s “Scream Tunnel” then we recommend heading to the halfway point of the Boston Marathon. Every year, Wellesley students create signs to hold up as all of the runners pass by, trying to swing a smooch for a runner. Check out the Scream Tunnel Facebook page to see some of the signs created this year.

Heartbreak Hill (Mile 20)

It ain’t called Heartbreak for nothing. Reaching this famous Boston Marathon hill, located near Boston College, means the runners are finally in the home stretch (though six miles isn’t exactly a “home stretch” by my standards).

Cleveland Circle (Mile 22)

If you’re looking for a fun place to watch the race, I recommend grabbing a beer at Cityside. Plus, they have a patio and porch, so you can see all of the action.

Washington Square (Mile 23)

If you make your way to Washington Square, you’ll see quite a few Marathon spectators basking in the sun on one of the many patios. Grab a seat at Fairsted Kitchen or Barcelona for some tasty bites while you’re at it.

Coolidge Corner (Mile 24)

Another popular spot to watch the marathon is the 24-mile mark at Coolidge Corner. Pull up a chair at Hops N Scotch or grab some froyo at 16 Handles and cheer on the runners before they enter the Boston city limits.

Kenmore Square (Mile 25)

With a little over a mile left to run, the Marathon runners are truly in the home stretch. Once you see that Citgo sign, you know you’ve made it (almost). As usual, the Red Sox game will start at 11:05 a.m., so you’re sure to see hoards of fans leaving the stadium during the afternoon.

Boylston Street

And if you’re looking to see the runners cross the finish line, there’s no other place to be than Boylston Street. After last year’s horrible tragedy, you can be sure that finishing this race will be a bittersweet feeling for these trained and inspiring athletes.

While you’re near the finish line, grab a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants including Forum, Solas and the Pour House – and raise your glass to Marathon Monday 2014. Cheers!