Australian triathlete Sam Appleton has claimed his third Geelong 70.3 title, pulling clear on the run for a convincing win.

Lotte Wilms led by more than a minute out of the water and was never challenged, with the Dutchwoman winning by more than four minutes.

The 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km race was Appleton's first win in three years, while Wilms has now won the only two 70.3-distance events that she has entered.

Appleton also won Geelong in 2017-18 and he returned to Australia from his United States base a few days ago for the first time in two years.

"It feels great to kick off 2022 with a win here in Geelong," the 31-year-old said.

"I love this race, it's actually one of my favourite races on the whole circuit."

Appleton was behind compatriot Josh Amberger after the swim and they took control on the bike.

Appleton started the run with a 15-second lead and he pulled clear of Amberger to win in three hours 41 minutes 15 seconds.

Defending champion Steve McKenna overtook Amberger late in the half marathon to claim second with 3:43.11, while Amberger was another 30 seconds back for third.

Wilms, who has lived in Australia for eight years, won the Sunshine Coast 70.3 in September.

On Sunday, she had a 90-second lead onto the bike and she was unstoppable, winning in 4:07.41.

New Zealand's Amelia Watkinson was second in 4:11.17 and Victorian Grace Thek took third with 4:15.45.

"It's crazy, really crazy, but absolutely nice and I really like the Ironman (triathlon) races, the feeling is really good," Wilms said.