VICTORY CHARGE: Shannon Eckstein on his way to winning a fifth Australian ironman title at the national championships at North Kirra. Picture: Michael Ross Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SHANNON Eckstein has taken a step closer to lifesaving immortality by claiming his fifth Australian ironman title on the Gold Coast.

On an emotional final day of the Australian championships at North Kirra, Eckstein moved to second on the all-time winners' list, while Metropolitan Caloundra's Rebecca Creedy erased the pain of last year's near miss to win the ironwoman race.

Eckstein led the men's race from start to finish to win from Tugun's Hugh Doherty and Mooloolaba's Ali Day and skip clear of Ky Hurst and Grant Kenny on the all-time leaderboard.

Only legend Trevor Hendy has more, with six.

Eckstein battled numerous injuries during a disappointing Kellogg's series (won by his brother Caine), but he was back to his best today, completing successive national titles for the first time in his stellar career.

It was also his first win as a dad after the birth of his baby daughter two weeks ago.

Eckstein grew up idolising Hendy and said it was surreal to be on the cusp of dethroning him as the most decorated national champion in history.

"That's the next challenge," he said.

"In this sport you need to find a new challenge to keep getting out of bed at five o'clock in the morning.

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Eckstein's exhibition for fifth title