Athletics: Franklin and Nzama impress in international events

Both were competing in France and South Africa across the weekend

Manx athletes, Rachael Franklin and 'Fortune' Nzama have put in strong performances whilst taking part in respective international competitions at the weekend.

Franklin travelled to Europe to compete in the B Final at the Paris Fast5000 OnTrack over a 5,000m distance finishing fourth in a time of 16 minutes and 58 seconds.

That time was within 40 seconds of the eventual winner, Samia Hassan and less than three seconds behind the final podium position in third which was secured by Femke Rosbergen.

Elsewhere, Nzama was involved on Sunday (11 June) in the demanding Comrades Marathon which was held in his home nation of South Africa.

Out of 11,297 competitors overall, Nzama managed to finish in 252nd place after managing an impressive time of six hours, 50 minutes and 41 seconds across the approximate 55-mile route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

With medals awarded based on timings, his run meant he earned himself a silver medal for completing the event between six hours and seven-and-a-half hours with Nzama's time also a new personal best over that distance.