Robins targets another first in Penong’s 5150

MANILA, Philippines — Aussie Mitch Robins seeks another first in his continuing chase for titles in inaugural endurance races here, bannering a compact men’s pro field in Penong’s 5150 Triathlon which unwraps Sunday at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao.

Robins has developed some kind of a liking in maiden races after marking his first stint in local triathlon with a victory in the inaugural Safeguard 5150 in Subic in 2013. He then snapped a string of runner-up finishes with another win in the first Black Arrow 5150, also in Subic, last November where he bested a stellar international cast.

That makes him the marked man in the upcoming event, another first, this being Davao’s favorite barbecue house Penong’s Barbecue and Seafoods Grill’s initial foray in endurance racing organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc. in the country’s newest triathlon hub.

But the 30-year-old ace from Port Macquarie, who also won the IRONMAN 70.3 Japan in 2016, expects a tougher challenge from the likes of fellow Aussie Alex Polizzi, Czech Jakub Langhammer and Kiwi Kieran McPherson.