Craig Alexander has become the first Australian to win three back to back Australian Long Course Triathlon titles, with his victory in Port Macquarie.

The defending champ and No.1 seed completed the course in three hours, 43 minutes and 23 seconds. Almost a minute and a half down on the swim Alexander hard to work hard on the bike to reel in the front markers and come out of transition in the lead, heading into the 20 km run. Once in front Alexander looked comfortable throughout the run and he took the time to appreciate the atmosphere, strolling down the finish chute to claim victory.

In his first year as a professional, Peter Jacobs had a fantastic race to finish second and in praising his efforts Alexander said it was Jacobs' persistence in the bike leg that helped him to the front.

In the Women’s race Finnish surprise packet Merja Kiviranta went in to the race seeded 31 and was the first woman home in a time of 4:08:12.

The race was part of her training for the Europe triathlon season starting in April and Kivirants said she felt strong throughout the race: "I'm really happy and proud and I think in Australia triathlon is a big sport so I am proud to win here."

As Kiviranta is from Finland she could not be crowned the Australian women's champion, so second place overall Melissa Ashton in a time of 4:13:28 took out the title. "I was suffering on that run – after 10km I knew I wasn't going to catch her (Kiviranta) and it was just a matter of getting the Australian title” said Ashton.

Many of the athletes, professionals and age groupers alike, have again given the thumbs up to the Port Macquarie community for the extraordinary support of volunteers throughout all aspects of the race. Praise has also been given to the course, with many appreciating its challenges and beauty.