Illness threatened to deny Caine Eckstein a record fifth win in one of the world's toughest endurance races - Sunday's Coolangatta Gold.

But in the end, overcoming a bout of glandular fever may just have provided Eckstein the edge he needs to create some more history on the Gold Coast this weekend.

Eckstein, 25, has contested surf lifesaving's 46.65km torture test four times - and four times he has emerged triumphant.

However, Eckstein was thefirst to admit he thought his perfect run had stalled just months ago.

"I had glandular fever and had to have a four-week break from training - it definitely set me back," he told AAP.

"For a few weeks there I told close friends and family I wasn't going to race this year.

"I just didn't have any motivation."

Enter brother - and four-time national ironman champion, no less - Shannon.

"He changed my mind," Eckstein said.

"He was away a few weeks and when he came back I was probably at my lowest.

"I could see he was disappointed when I said I wasn't going to race, but he said give it a go.

"I am usually pretty regimented with everything planned out, but he said just train when you think you can, get as fit as you can and before the race weigh up whether you want to do it or not.

"He was pretty inspirational."

Eckstein came back better than ever.

"I usually train for about 14 weeks or whatever non-stop (before the Gold) - this year I have trained for seven because of the break but it has felt like 14, I got fitter and fitter very quickly," he said.

"There were improvements every week - if I had started training earlier I don't think I would have got those improvements to be honest.

"I am stronger than I have been in the last few years.

"And I have actually been pretty relaxed this year due to not having the best preparation, if that makes sense."

Incredibly Eckstein was just 19 when he first tasted victory in 2005 - backing up with wins in 2008, 2009 and last year.

But he is not taking anything for granted ahead of this weekend, rating last year's runner-up Cory Hill as his biggest threat.

Meanwhile, triple Coolangatta Gold winner Hayley Bateup will again be the one to beat in the 30.5km women's course after recovering from shoulder surgery.