The Newlyn-raised Olympian had a solid hit-out at Melbourne's Fawkner Park after initially setting out to only partially complete the race and set the pace for fellow Victorian Chris Erickson to post an Olympic qualifying time.

Tallent entered the event already with Olympic pre-selection for the distance via a top-eight finish at the IAAF World Championships in South Korea in August.

He came in clear under the London 2012 qualifying time of three hours, 59 minutes, crossing the line in 3:49.33.

Former world record holder Nathan Deakes claimed silver in 3:50.34 with third-placed Erickson and New South Welshman Ian Rayson in fourth, also meeting the qualifying standard.

All three are in contention for the third Olympic 50-kilometre spot with Victorian Luke Adams nominated with Tallent after the world championships.

Tallent said that once out on course, he could not resist a crack at the Australian title.

He made his move with two kilometres to go.

"I didn't plan to go the whole 50 kilometres today, I was just trying to push Chris (Erickson) along but after 35 kilometres I started feeling good and thought I might as well go on with it," Tallent said after the race.