In conditions more suited to running than last year’s event which was punctuated by searing heat, Hoeft finished the 42.2km event in a time of 3:51:58.

Second was Raymond Wareham (03:38:59) ahead of Tony Green (04:01:19) in third.

Incredibly, Hoeft sliced more than 40 minutes off his 2017 time.

“Last year it was a lot slower because the conditions were horrendous,” Hoeft said.

“This year the heat was a lot milder, but there was a heavy southerly and running at high tide meant the sand was a lot softer.

“The wind doesn’t effect you as much as the heat and it’s about being measured in how you run.”

He admitted a more consistent training program had also helped him improve on the result last year.

“You just have to survive the climb to the top because it’s just a steady, gradual climb,” he said.

A 30-minute ascent to the top of North Brother Mountain smashed his 45-minute time from last year which enabled him to achieve his under-four-hour goal.

“I didn’t expect to go under four hours,” he said.

Once Hoeft caught one of the pre-race favourites Tony Green around Grant’s Headland he was feeling confident of a strong finish.

“Around the flatter areas I capitalised on my reserves and ran quite conservatively,” he said.

“To come first and achieve my first-ever podium was just amazing, it was beyond any expectations.”

Meanwhile, Clare Palmer was the first female across the line in a time of 04:14:19.​