With Marathon Monday just around the corner on April 21, we’re lacing our sneakers and gearing up to attend the 129th Boston Marathon. We'll be there, phone in hand, cheering for the runners while trying to hold back tears.

What's new this year?

The city will host a range of volunteer opportunities + service projects to commemorate One Boston Day on April 15. Spreading kindness all over Boston is highly encouraged.

This year, approximately 11,326 athletes will be racing their first Boston Marathon, including ~1,286 Massachusetts residents.

Kenya's Hellen Obiri and Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma will return to defend their Boston Marathon titles. Obiri wants a historic three-peat and Lemma wants a repeat.

The Boston Athletic Association launched a new Boston Marathon logo last summer, so expect to see Spike the unicorn everywhere. The emblem "eyes the future and many miles ahead" and with "alert and focused eyes, Spike is determined to conquer the challenging Boston Marathon course."

Ready, set, run. | Map via Boston Athletic Association

How can I cheer on the runners?

With nearly 30,000 athletes expected to hit the pavement, it's time to jog your memory on the course route + schedule.

The race begins on Main Street in Hopkinton Center and continues to the finish line on Boylston Street in Back Bay. The first wave sets off at 9:06 a.m. with the men's wheelchair division and continues in waves through 11:15 a.m. The professional frontrunners are expected to cross the finish line between 11:45 a.m. and 12:10 p.m.

Some of the most popular spots for catching the action are the Wellesley Scream Tunnel and Heartbreak Hill in Newton.

Pro tip: The Boston Marathon website offers live tracking via bib numbers so you don't miss supporting your friends and family on their 26.2-mile journey. You can also download the BAA Racing App for race tracking + leaderboards.

Planning to check out the race outside of Boston? Roads in Hopkinton close at 7 a.m. and there will be no street parking. Jump on the Worcester/Framingham Commuter Rail line early to reach destinations like Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley.

Your best bet locally is taking public transit — make your plans early and check out the MBTA schedule. Don't forget: Copley Station will be closed all day on Monday, April 21.

Don't miss: Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza or the Mile 27 Post Race Celebration from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on race day for appearances from Boston champions, activities, live music, and photo ops. Grab tickets.