Commonwealth Games hopeful Rachael Franklin demonstrated her strong current form in London recently.

Competing in a high-quality field packed with international athletes at the Podium 5km road race, held under street lights at Battersea Park, the Manx Harriers athlete finished seventh in the women’s race in an excellent time of 16min 04sec.

The time is 11 seconds inside the Isle of Man consideration standard for the Commonwealth Games, albeit the Games standard has to be achieved for 5,000 metres on the track which she did in 2020.

The Ballabeg resident ran a time of 33.16 for 10 kilometres on the road last October, also well inside the track consideration standard for 10,000 metres, further demonstrating her form over the winter.

Franklin has made a superb comeback from last year’s injury problems, and on this form she is putting in a strong claim for selection when the third and final wave of the Commonwealth Games team is named in the spring.

Commenting on Facebook, Rachael said: ’Well that 5k was a shock to the system but boy I loved it.

’First time racing in Battersea Park under the street lights was pretty cool. I set myself a target time and I’m pleased to say I achieved it. Happy to have ran 16.04 for seventh.

’Definitely couldn’t have done it without the support of these guys, who came up to watch me race. It’s hard living in the Isle of Man but moments like this makes up for it.

’Massive thank you to Search & Select Recruitment for the financial support for this competition.’

l The Battersea Park venue has a reputation of being the fastest road course in the world.