Wardian, a 33-year-old Ship's Broker from Arlington, Va., crossed the finish line at Springfield Middle School in 5 hours, 50 minutes, 25 seconds, more than 20 minutes ahead of runner-up Zach Miller, of Ann Arbor, Mich., to win the 45th annual hike, the oldest and largest ultramarathon in America.

Wardian was listed as the seventh-seeded runner in the race. It was his 13th marathon of the year. Saturday's win gives him four career marathon wins.

"The Appalachian Trail part of the course was the toughest," Wardian said. He also said he lost some time on the trail because of the terrain but when he reached the C&O Canal Towpath, he was able to make up some of that time. The towpath portion of the hike is the longest, covering 26 miles and the flatest part of the course.

Matt Levine, of Crystal Lake, Ill., finished third in the hike. Mark Lundblad, of Swannanoa, N.C., got fourth and Eric Grossman (Emory, Va.) was fifth. Lundblad's wife, Ann, won the women's division of the hike (6:42.81).

There were 1,471 runners who started this year's hike, compared to 1,138 last year.

Wardian's winning time is the third-fastest time in hike history. The fastest time was run in 1994 by Eric Clifton (5:46.22).

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.