( From DCist contributor Amadie Hart)

Local runner and Olympic marathon trials participant Michael Wardian broke the world record for the treadmill marathon this weekend. Wardian, 30, ran the 26.2 miles in 2:23:58, besting the previous record of 2:31:04 set by Josh Cox this past April. The record was timed and witnessed by staff of the Capital Running Company and will be certified with “The Book of Alternative Records.”

In a post-race interview with WTTG/Fox 5, Wardian thanked the small crowd of friends and family who came out to cheer him on, and his sponsors. His run was held in conjunction with the grand opening of the second outpost of Pacers running store, in Clarendon. Wardian, who has run more than 40 marathons, is a member of the Pacers running team. Pacers also agreed to donate five dollars to Toys for Tots for every minute his time fell under the previous record.

In other D.C. running news, online registration for the 2005 Cherry Blossom 10 Miler opens at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. The race, now in its 33rd year, draws an international crowd of participants, including world class runners, seeking a chance to race for $31,000 in prizes and the opportunity to run among Washington’s famed cherry blossom trees. Last year, online registration filled up within the week, so if you are planning to register, do so quickly!