The Outback to the Stack champion finished the testing 21km course in just 1.26.26, but then continued on straightaway with the SMH Equipment Hire 6km Dash.

Hobbs also crossed the line first in that event, capping off a remarkable day for the running machine.

"I signed up for both initially but it would always come down to how I felt after the half marathon," he said.

"I did get a bit sore towards the end of the 21km, but I thought even if I did the 6km just as a warm-down and see how I went.

"I came good eventually and had a good old crack."

Conditions were ideally suited for running yesterday morning, with competitors treating themselves to mild temperatures in the presence of little to no wind.

Hobbs, who has now won back-to-back titles, said he didn't anticipate winning the annual Outback to the Stack.

"Running is pretty unpredictable," he said. "All you can do is turn up at the start line prepared. Everyone can have a good day, everyone can have a bad day, it's simply a matter of who is the best come race time.

"Personally, I wasn't really running for time. I planned to run along with the guys at the start and play it out from there. I stuck with Adam Chapman for half, he really set the pace for me.

"Overall it has been a good day for it. Wasn't too hot and there was no horrendous headwinds going into town like there has been in the past."

Akiko Nishi was the first woman across the line, finishing in a speedy 1.38.24 ahead of Nicole Knepprath while Kit Rix and Adam Chapman rounded out the top three in the male division.

* Full results in tomorrow's The North West Star

- Pictures: KEAGAN RYAN/5567