"We had to come pick up our bibs," explained Tadese. "So we figured we might as well walk around and see the expo while we were at it."

"The CLIF people were handing out free samples!" said Desisa. "Also, I got these for the race." He opened his bag to show perhaps half a dozen CLIF SHOT energy gels.

"I've never tried Razz before," he said. "But it sounds good."

"I got to try The Stick," said Kipchoge, "and entered to win a free Elliptigo."

The men also noted that they'd been tempted by several bargains at the expo, including some "sweet Brooks" shoes at 30% off.

"But I guess we're supposed to wear these," said Tadese, shrugging and pointing to the Nikes on his feet.

Asked where they were headed next, the men suggested they were splitting up.

"I heard Mike Wardian was here, at the Hoka booth," said Desisa. "I want to go get a selfie with him."

"I'm going to go take a stroll," Kipchoge said, "and see some more of the town. This is my first time here."

"Lunch," said Tadese. "I could go for a burger and a beer."

The race begins at 5:45, local time, Saturday morning.