McDonald, who spent the best part of two years on the sidelines with illness, blitzed the field to win the event in a time of 49:04, more than five minutes clear of runner-up Kobe Henderson.

The 19-year-old said he was “super happy” with his performance which he hopes to build on ahead of competing at the Australian under 23 championships at Devonport in March.

"I mean I haven't raced for in 16 months so to comeback out and have a good win today was fantastic,” he said.

"Back at the end of 2016 I got glandular fever and then made a good return to racing and then following this I ended up with post-viral fatigue which slowed me down.

"So it has been a slow build this year, but I am happy to be back at it and I am slowly returning to my best.

"I've got big races coming up in March so this is a nice lead in but still a bit of fitness to be gained."

Coming in at third place behind McDonald and Henderson was Andy Ryan with a time of 56.45.

Ryan was fresh back from competing in Hawaii.

Warrnambool’s Jo McDowall also experienced a successful day to be crowned the winner of the women’s section.

She crossed the line in a time of 1.07.48 to take the honours from Warrnambool’s Ilana Jorgensen.

McDowall explained how she found her way into the world of triathlon.

"I borrowed what used to be my aunty's road bike and I started going out with some friends who I used to swim and run with," she said.

"And after that I thought well I suppose I will have a go at all three and so this was my first event a couple of years ago to come and have a go at a triathlon."

Monica Ryan finished third in the women’s section with a time of 1.12.44 to take the final spot on the podium.

Race director David McIntyre deemed Sunday’s triathlon a big success and believed it would continue to grow.

The event as well as Saturday’s Couch to Coast saw approximately 140 competitors take part.

McIntrye said it was great to see people of all ages and abilities getting involved.

"We had a great day, I am glad the weather held off for us and we had a really strong field," he said.

"We are really big into grass roots events.

"We do have some competitors in our club that do compete world championships and Australian champs.

“But a majority of our people are just generally fit and love to come down and have a go.

"We are always keen for anyone who is a half-decent swimmer or biker and runner to have a go and it is a challenge for anyone."