CARY - Cary will join other running meccas of the world when the town's first 26.2-miler, the Tobacco Road Marathon, steps off today.

The race meets the requirements for runners to qualify for the Boston Marathon if they finish fast enough.

"We believe we have put together the fastest course in North Carolina," Kazem Yahyapour, a five-time Boston Marathon veteran and co-founder of the race, said in December.

The route meanders through the American Tobacco Trail for the full and half marathons.

The event is expected to draw pedestrian traffic in northwestern Cary between 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Town officials urged drivers to use caution and expect delays on roads near or around: Thomas Brooks Park, the American Tobacco Trail and New Hill Road, including Green Level Church Road, New Hope Church Road, State Road 1716/Yates Store Road, Weldon Ridge Boulevard and Green Hope School Road.

For more information, visit tobaccoroadmarathon.com or townofcary.org.