The 25-year-old completed the 1.9km swim, 90.1km cycle and 21.1km run course in brilliant fashion to claim his first local victory from training partner Mitch Robbins and Central Coast’s Chris Dmitrieff.

To cap a brilliant day, Port Macquarie’s Adam Holborow also snared fifth.

Defending champion Cameron Watt led out of the swim but then fell away.

Tweed Heads’ Brian Fuller and Holborow dominated the middle stages to enjoy a three-minute 30-second advantage after the bike leg.

But, the final section was all Berkel’s.

He soon erased the deficit to hit the lead, with one lap remaining, while Robbins took over from a tiring Fuller with Dmitrieff, New South Welshman Josh Rix and Holborow in hot pursuit.

Berkel’s sensational run leg allowed him to cross the line in a time of 4:00.38.

Robbins finished four minutes behind with Dmitrieff clocking 4:05.50.

Rix picked up fourth spot in 4:06.20, Holborow registered 4:07.01 and Fuller recorded 4:08.10.

“This is my hometown, and I wanted this race bad,” Berkel explained afterwards.

“Actually, it’s a great relief.

“The monkey’s off my back.

“I felt good out there and I’m now primed for the Ironman Western Australia Triathlon in Busselton.

“I’m also stoked to see Mitch (Robbins) and Adam (Holborow) in the top five too.”

Robbins, making his debut as a professional, was “over the moon” to finish runner-up to Berkel.

“It’s fantastic,” he admitted.

“I struggled at the end, but managed to hold it together.”

Holborow, who secured ninth in 2008, celebrated his best result.

“I’m happy with fifth,” he told the Port News.

“In fact, I’m still feeling strong and looking good for Western Australia.”

2009 Scody Half Ironman Triathlon Port Macquarie top five

Tim Berkel (Port Macquarie) 4:00.38

Mitch Robbins (Port Macquarie) 4:04.38

Chris Dmitrieff (Shelly Beach) 4:05.50

Josh Rix (Bellevue Hill) 4:06.20

Adam Holborow (Port Macquarie) 4:07.01