Runners gear up for Chevron Houston Marathon

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's a big weekend in our city as we prepare for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon on Sunday.

On Friday, runners started checking in for their races at the Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The exhibit expects to see more than 50,000 runners and fitness enthusiasts over the next two days. After getting their bibs, they can enjoy nearly 150 exhibitors. Everything from athletic apparel to health foods and nutrition.

"This is a good opportunity to talk to about nutrition because ultimately I can help with what to eat over the next few days leading up to the big race," says Brett Singer, a Sports Dietitian at Memorial Hermann.

There are also opportunities to speak with doctors like George Ozoude about prepping the body for before the race and recovering after the race.

"They can have muscle soreness from the onset of the finish of the race. But, the highest peak of the muscle soreness is the day to two days after the race," says Ozoude, an orthopedic surgeon at Memorial Hermann.

And, don't forget about the many appearances by elite athletes. The 2014 Boston Marathon Winner and 2004 Silver Medalist Meb Keflezighi will make an appearance at the Sketcher's booth Saturday from noon to 2pm. Keflezighi loves the opportunity to talk with his fans and offer them words of encouragement.

"Never give up on your dreams, keep working hard, and hard work does pay off," he says.

The expo is until 6pm today and from 8:30am to 6pm Saturday.