ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The 2026 COMBOS Marathon is set to take over downtown Albany this Saturday, March 7, with officials asking drivers to expect delays and modify travel plans as runners move through the area into the early afternoon.

The event begins at 7 a.m. near the Albany Civic Center. Participants can run either the full 26.2-mile marathon or the 13.1-mile half marathon. The course winds through downtown, surrounding neighborhoods and along parts of the Flint River before finishing back downtown.

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said officers will manage intersections throughout the event. He urged drivers to be patient.

“We are asking people to, if you have to, modify your trips. That’s a good day to do it. That morning, as we’re able to clear our intersections, we will,” Persley said. “As [runners and walkers] approaching, we will hold those intersections to let them through. But as soon as they’re through, we’ll get the traffic moving. So just bear with us.”

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Organizers say the marathon also supports local causes, including Willson Hospice House and other Southwest Georgia charities. Officials are encouraging the community to come out and cheer on participants Saturday.

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