Start @ 145 Harrison ave and run towards the Tam before heading to the common. Then follow the map below:
Mile markers along the esplanade:
Start @ 145 Harrison (bottom right)
1 mile – bridge over Storrow drive Water fountain location
1.5 miles – 2nd bridge over the storrow lagoon
2 miles – Mass ave bridge (AKA Smoots bridge), ramp is available to get onto bridge
2.5 miles – Esplanade work out area, look for pull up bars/benches. Water fountain location
3 miles – BU bridge, right after the BU boat house. No ramp to bridge, cross over Storrow drive BEFORE getting to bridge in order to cross here.
4 miles – 1st Central sq bridge (AKA River st bridge), narrowed path, first street that crosses the running path. Easy river crossing here
4.5 miles – Harvard pedestrian bridge, easy river crossing.
For those looking to run back on the Cambridge side, all bridges (including BU bridge) EXCEPT the Longfellow bridge have easy crossings. To cross Longfellow, cross memorial drive before it juts out over the Charles and follow signs. Once on the Boston side you’ll have to turn around and cross the pedestrian bridge across Storrow to get back on the esplanade