ARLINGTON, Va. -- The winner of the first two National Marathons plans another defense at the March 29 edition of the race.

In 2007, 33-year-old Michael Wardian, of Arlington, Va., finished in 2:26:35 to defend his title. He won the first race in a time 2:30:55.

Wardian Wins Men's Marathon
Slideshow: 2007 Race Images

Wardian pumped his hands into the air and got a large cheer from the crowd as he crossed the finish line last year. He easily breezed to the first-place finish, well ahead of the competition. Bryan Skelly, of Philadelphia, finished in 2:29:01, while Kyle Smits, of Baltimore, finished in 2:31:26, just ahead of John Piggott, of Williamsburg (2:31:36).

"It was a good day," Wardian said just after crossing the finish line. "The weather was great. The course was fantastic. They had a nice little hill at like 19 miles to make me work a little bit harder. I had a great time. I got to see a lot of family out there (along the course). ... I hope to come back next year and do it again."

Wardian has completed more than 60 marathons in his career, including a 2004 Olympic Trials qualifying time of 2:21:48 at the Detroit Marathon.

Wardian followed his 2007 victory with six more top three finishes, including victories at the Ocean City, Md., Marathon in April and the OBX Marathon in November, according to MarathonGuide.com.