BOSTON -- More than 1 million spectators are expected to line the Boston Marathon racecourse on Monday, April 20 to watch one of the most historic races in our nation's history.

If you are planning on joining the crowd, The BostonChannel.com has compiled a Spectators' Guide that will help you plan your day and get a prime viewing location of the 113th running of the marathon.

Getting There

Officials are urging spectators to make use of public transportation on Marathon Monday. A number of roads will be closed in many towns.

The MBTA, often referred to as the "T", offers subway and trolley service to many locations along the Marathon route. The Copley Square Station, at the finish line will be closed on Marathon Monday. If you want to see the runners cross the finish line, officials said that spectators should get off the train at the Hynes Convention or the Arlington Street stop on the Green Line and walk a few blocks.

Finding A Spot On The Race Route

Be prepared to deal with large crowds, no matter where you decide to watch the marathon. Near the finish line on Boylston Street, the crowds become increasingly larger.

The marathon passes through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston. So, with a race route of 26.2 miles, there are plenty of other paces to to enjoy the event.

If you plan ahead, you may be able to catch a glimpse of your favorite runner. The Boston Athletic Association has prepared a time schedule of the race leaders in the marathon. This chart enables spectators to determine where and when a runner will pass based on anticipated finish times.

Preparing For The Elements

As the saying goes: If you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. Mother Nature tends to be quite an unpredictable creature -- especially in New England. According to the National Weather Service, the average temperature in Boston for the month of April ranges from a high of 55.9 degrees to a low of 40.2 degrees.

If you are planning on heading out to watch the marathon, it may be a wise idea to dress in layers. You can log on to TheBostonChannel.com for StormTeam 5's Forecast.

Don't feel like venturing out into the crowds? Log onto TheBostonChannel.com for complete stride-by-stride coverage of the Boston Marathon.