Shannon Eckstein's grand plan to wrap up his ninth IronMan series early has come to fruition.

The "Professor" led Saturday's round five race at North Cronulla from start to finish.

The result capps a near-perfect year in which Eckstein has won four of five races and re-established himself as the sport's all time best.

"Even though people think it looks easy, there's a lot of time and pressure on my shoulders," he said of claiming the title.

"A lot of things can happen in this sport and you've got to get the job done while you can."

"This year I've shown that it doesn't matter what the conditions are, I can get it done."

Eckstein said losing last year's series to the Sunshine Coast's Ali Day made him really focus on Saturday's win.

"After last year, one hundred per cent, I wanted the win and I wanted to wrap it up early. I can now go into round six and enjoy myself."

The Gold Coast's Matt Poole finished second and local Dane Farrell third, his first podium finish.

Going into round six, Eckstein (112) can't be beaten for the series, with Day second (86) and Matt Bevilacqua third (83).

In the IronWoman's race, it was a nightmare on the shore break, with the toughest conditions the girls have seen in a long time.

Kirsty Higgison reigned supreme, taking her third series win and setting up a nail-biter final on Sunday between herself and second-placed Jordan Mercer, who is also her training partner.

In her rookie year, Higgison can't believe she sits equal first.

"Far out, I wouldn't have thought it at all. It's unbelievable and the best feeling in the world."

Statistics say it will be near impossible for either herself or Mercer to miss winning the title.

"I'll keep the same mindset as I have done throughout the series," Higgison added.

"I'll focus on myself and try and enjoy it as much as I can."

She and Mercer are equal on 86 points, 13 ahead of Brodie Moir (73).