Marathon Racers Gear Up for Health & Fitness Expo (Video)

Not even rain could dampen the enthusiasm of racers lacing up for the 2016 Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. This year’s race will take place on Sunday, Jan. 24, and more than 20,000 participants from around the globe and every state in the U.S. are in town for the event.

Under steady rain on Friday, weekend festivities kicked off  at the Miami Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at MANA Wynwood, in the Design District. (Race organizers have provided free shuttle buses from the Miami Beach Convention Center, Bayside Marketplace and Shops at Midtown for those going to the Health & Fitness Expo.)

During the two-day Expo, racers will pick up their “bibs” (race numbers) and an official competitor’s T-shirt. What’s more, the Expo is packed with vendors, art work, fitness gear, health information and lots of give-away items from the various exhibitors.

Free cheer cards, “finish-line” race photos and other gifts are available at the Baptist Health South Florida booth. Additionally, Baptist Health medical experts are on hand to give free health screenings and to share information about wellness, fitness and prevention.

On Friday afternoon, Lucette Talamas, a registered dietitian with Community Health at Baptist Health, offered tips about race-day nutrition and post-race recovery. Her top tips include:

• Stick to your plan.
• Hydrate.
• Eat breakfast.
• Fuel during your run.
• Recover right.

The Baptist Health South Florida News Team was at the Expo. Watch now!