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Health And Fitness Expo Draws A Crowd

News Channel 8 photo by ANTHONY ALLRED

Cyril Madukanya, right, helps one of thousands of runners prepare Friday for the Gasparilla Classic. Runners stood in line to get their running packets and register at the Tampa Convention Center on Friday.

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By KATIE CORONADO | News Channel 8

Published: February 27, 2009

Updated: 02/27/2009 10:52 pm

Hundreds of people packed the Tampa Convention Center's East Hall for the 8 On Your Side Health and Fitness Expo today.

Many were on hand to get ready for Saturday's Gasparilla Classic races, either to pick up their information packets or to take part in late registration. After getting their packets, many stayed to browse the exhibits.

Adam Fernandez, 32, went to register for the 5K run. "I just believe in a healthy lifestyle," he said. "I like to work out and run and get out of the house."

Pamela Silavutiset, 30, who also will run in the 5K, said the Gasparilla display stood out most for her.

"I think they have a really great selection this year," she said "I bought the Gasparilla T-shirt and tank."

Some visitors said they were hoping to find bargains on athletic clothing, while other came to look at exercise equipment or learn about health-related issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

A popular exhibit was a treadmill that can analyze your feet to see what kind of shoe would best fit; there also was a long line for free massages.

News Channel 8 has a booth at the expo where the public can meet and greet on-air personalities.

The expo continues today from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

News Channel 8 and TBO.com are both owned by Media General.

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