Photos: Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship

The sun was just about to rise as athletes took the water for the 2.4-mile swim.

Steffen approaches the finish line for the 8:34:51 win. The mark narrowly missed Chrissie Wellington's world record for fastest finish time at an Ironman by a female (8:33:56 at 2011 Ironman South Africa).

Craig Alexander posted the fastest bike split (4:24:43) of the day.

The race featured a separate pro men and women's start, which is something several pros have pushed for at the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

This was Alexander's second Ironman in a row. Before the race Alexander commented that "It gets harder at this age to race two Ironmans that close together. It’s an endurance sport – it’s about longevity – so I don’t like the points-chasing scenario where people have to cram in another Ironman."

Ten-time Ironman New Zealand winner Cameron Brown raced in Ironman New Zealand only three weeks prior. That race was ultimately turned into a 70.3, giving Brown fresher legs coming into Melbourne.

This was Frederik Van Lierde's first race aboard Cervelo's P5.

Rachel Joyce also road Cervelo's P5.

Steffen chose not to ride the P5, but still blew away the competition on the bike.

This was Crowie's second race aboard his Specialized Shiv.

Cameron Brown was fifth off of the bike.

Van Lierde paired a strong swim/bike combo to lead heading out of T2.

Alexander was third off of the bike behind Van Lierde and Joe Gambles.

Steffen held a substantial lead off of the bike. Only Rachel Joyce was within striking distance.

Rachel Joyce, last year's ITU Long Distance World Champion, held onto her second position throughout the run.

Carfrae came off of the bike well behind the main contenders.

Brown and Alexander ran shoulder-to-shoulder through much of the point-to-point marathon.

Alexander eventually decided to make a surge and was able to drop Brown.

Alexander is greeted by thousands of fans at the finish line.

This was Alexander's first-time breaking the elusive eight-hour mark at an Ironman.

Alexander's daughter Lucy greeted him at the finish.

This was Alexander's first Ironman win in his home country of Australia.

Brown turned in a stellar day, finishing second in 8:00:12.

Van Lierde's 47:25 swim, 4:27:40 bike and 2:42:46 run would have been more than enough for a win at almost any other Ironman. In Melbourne it was good enough for third.

Steffen has been in the top-five at the last two Ironman World Championships. With no Chrissie Wellington racing this year, she will go into Kona as one of the favorites.

The race trophy was named after Ironman great, and Aussie, Greg Welch.

Australia's Gregory Farrell was the first age-grouper across the line at 8:48:35.

Carfrae greets the crowd on the way to her third place finish. She was the only female to break three hours in the marathon.

Athletes march towards the midnight cutoff that is typical of all Ironman events. The entire marathon stretched along the coast line.

The course was relatively flat, with only a few climbs to tackle.