On January 18-19, 2002, more than 125 national and local exhibitors, thousands of serious runners, and a slate of health and fitness experts will come together to make the Subway Health and Fitness Expo the largest and most comprehensive health and fitness event in Houston. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the expo.

Held in Hall D on the third level of the George R. Brown Convention Center in conjunction with the Compaq Houston Marathon, the expo is free and open to the public on Friday, Jan. 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Sat., Jan. 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

One of the attendees at the expo this year will be Jared Fogle, who lost 245 pounds on a diet of low-fat Subway sandwiches and is featured in Subway advertising. He will be on hand to launch the "Get the Skinny on Houston from Jared" promotion in partnership with the City of Houston, Bally Total Fitness, the American Heart Association, and the Compaq Houston Marathon in an effort to get Houston off the top of America's fattest cities list, as ranked by "Men's Fitness" magazine.

"Subway is committed to providing a healthier alternative in the fast food market," said Terry Wade, local board chair of Houston- area Subway franchisees. "We're proud to support the expo and the Compaq Houston Marathon and look forward to a fun and exciting two-day event."

Exhibitors at the expo will offer discounted and unique products designed to improve one's health and well-being with everything from running apparel to nutritional supplements, chiropractic services, to aromatherapy, training devices to health foods.

Of special note is the appearance and presentation of Paula Newby-Fraser, one of the world's greatest female athletes, having won eight Hawaii Ironman titles. She will sign autographs and speak on Saturday afternoon.

Jeff Galloway, former Olympian and world-renowned running trainer, returns again this year to give practical advice to first-time marathoners and other serious runners.

For more information on the expo, log on to www.compaqhoustonmarathon.com.