Athletics: Strong comeback for Franklin in international meet

Team comes second behind England in International Road Relays

One of the Island's leading distance runners has made a solid comeback after ten months out with injury.

Rachael Franklin and her North of England teammates were caught jumping for joy yesterday (15 Aug) after finishing second behind the full England team in the women's race at the International Road Relays match in Leeds.

Rachael has not raced since October last year after issues with injuries and illnesses.

Her teammates included Jess Judd, who recently competed in Tokyo at the Olympics and Claire Duck who's a former Easter Festival competitor and GB international.

The England women's team that won the event included fellow Manxie Sarah Astin.

Elsewhere, Tom Partington dominated on the track at the weekend.

He won the 10000m walk in the Welsh Championship in Cardiff.

His time of 43:43 was a pb, but agonisingly 13 seconds short of the Commonwealth consideration time.

Although she continues to be hampered by a hamstring issue, Erika Kelly finished third in the ladies race in 51.55.

More information can be found on the manxathletics Facebook page.