[ August 31, 2026 ] Organizers of the long-running Marble Festival Road Race have officially announced that the event will be placed on hold for 2026. Sponsored by the Ladies of the Dorcas Circle of Jasper United Methodist Church, the race was set to celebrate its 45th anniversary this fall.

The decision comes after significant logistical hurdles emerged regarding the traditional course. The field historically used as the race's finish line was recently acquired by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), alongside several key thoroughfares in Jasper. With pending construction, shifting road conditions, and road closure uncertainties, safely mapping a finish line and a fully sanctioned course proved unfeasible for this year's event.

The committee determined that hitting pause was the safest and most responsible path forward. The hiatus will give organizers the necessary time to navigate leadership transitions, secure a viable new finish line location, and redesign a properly sanctioned course for future runners.

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