Despite tougher competition, Michael Wardian won his third straight National Marathon Saturday morning in about 2:25, a new record for the National Marathon.

Wardian, 33, was alone at the end of the race. Several elite runners were expected to test Wardian Saturday. Though Solomon Too and Andy Martin didn't run, Charles Kamindo was considered a favorite. A Kenyan national who resides in Madison, Wis., Kamindo had to drop out of the race.

A late addition to the field, Samuel Gebremichael also was expected to contend. He finished second, several minutes behind Wardian. Two weeks ago, Gebremichael won the Shamrock Marathon in 2:22:40. Wardian finished second in 2:24:40.

In 2007, Wardian, of Arlington, Va., finished in 2:26:35 to defend his title. He won the first race in a time of 2:30:55.

"Each year it's even more special because there's more people here and better competition" Wardian said. "You know it's a growing race and it's nice to come out here and support it. It's even better to win."

After the race, Wardian headed to the airport to fly to Knoxville, Tenn., for Sunday's marathon there.

It was a chilly morning, but the runners said that made for good running conditions.

In the women's field, Myriam Grenon, of Montreal, won the full marathon.

The women's half marathon field featured several women tuning up for the Olympic Trials in Boston in three weeks.

"There's eight female runners that are tuning up for what is basically the biggest race of their lives," said race director Keith Dowling. "Every coach, every athlete knows you need some tune-up races, and this is the perfect opportunity for them to get out and sort of test out their fitness three weeks before."

Herndon, Va., resident and American University grad Samia Akbar won the women's half marathon in record time for the event. She finished in 1:16:42.

"It was just a nice early morning run," Akbar said. "There were a couple of tough hills in the middle around mile five, and after that it was rolling, so there were some challenges, but I got off to a nice start and I felt good since the beginning."

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