Hicks (25), an engineer who early last month won the senior men's national cross-country title, joins Kevin Ryan (1974), Ken Moloney (1986), Peter Renner (1987) and Phil Costley (2002 and 2004) on the list of runners to have won the national cross-country and road titles in the same year.
Punching his fist in triumph as he crossed the line, Hicks realised immediately the significance of what he had achieved.
''I'm very happy. Its great to back up my cross-country title,'' he said.
''It was a tactical race. There were a lot of corners. The pack was all there with a lap to go.''
Ben Ashkettle (Wellington) set a solid pace from the start with a group consisting of Hicks, Daniel Balchin (Canterbury), Jono Jackson (Auckland) and Callan Moody (Canterbury).
Each of the five took a shot at setting the pace and spreading the remainder of the field. Ashkettle upped the tempo with 4km to go and it was only Hicks who was able to keep him in check. The two built a small gap on Balchin, Moody and Jackson.
Hicks led the field into the final lap as he attempted to break away from but Ashkettle. Finally, Hicks created a small advantage over the final 800m, crossing to clinch the title in 30min 18sec, with Ashkettle 2sec back in second and Balchin crossing for his first individual road medal in 30min 34sec.
''It was a great race by the guys,'' Hicks said.
''Everyone had a go in the front. Everyone took the wind.''
Hicks is developing a special affinity for Dunedin as he won the national 3000m title during the track and field championships last year.
Hicks' coach Paul Hamblyn, was full of praise for his runner.
''Malcolm was a little bit late getting started on his build-up. To get fit that quick and come away with two titles is really pleasing.''
