Michael Wardian wins Mercedes Marathon with runaway victory

37-year-old Michael Wardian has won the 2012 Mercedes Marathon.

Wardian, from Arlington, Va, held the lead in the marathon since the halfway mark. After that, it became a one-man race with Wardian well in control. Near the end, runners finishing up the half-marathon even yelled encouragements to Wardian as he passed them. His final time for the run was 2:22:42

Despite having frozen lips, Wardian discussed how he thought the weather was a big factor in his win.

"The weather was great for me. It was probably harder for the African guys because they're not used to the cold."

Wardian added that his running in the cold in Washington, D.C. helped him to acclimate to such severe cold. This was Wardian's 3rd time to run the Mercedes Marathon. He says he enjoys the race.

"I'd love to come back, if they're willing to have me and if there's room," said Wardian.

This was the first year that the marathon had completely filled up.

Kenyan-born Reuben Mwei took the finish line for the Mercedes Half-Marathon. Mwei, a Kenyan who now hails from Georgia, crossed the finish line at 8:08 a.m. and earned a time of 1:06:02.

"The course was nice. I love the course," said Mwei after catching his breath. "You can get a good time… I'd like to come back again."

For the females, Meagan Nedlo took the half-marathon win. She finished with a time of 1:17:54.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.