TOM Lancashire finally feels like he's running into form - but admits frustration that it will come too late to make an impression this year.

The former British number one 1500m runner has endured several years of injury and illness tribulations but returned to international action at the European Indoor Championships in Prague earlier this year.

And his sixth place in the final of the recent British Championships secured him a spot in the famous Emsley Carr Mile at the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games at London's Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

The 2008 Beijing Olympian, who flirted with 5000m last year before recommitting to 1500m this season, was in contention until the closing stages when Kenya's Asbel Kiprop kicked for home to defend his title.

There hasn't been a British winner of the 50-year old race in a decade and Lancashire came home as the fourth home runner behind Charlie Grice, Ross Murray and Chris O'Hare.

"It was a bit of a weird race," said Lancashire, after crossing the line in 3:56.87 to finish 11th.

"I felt really comfortable and avoided most of the trouble but on the third lap I was being knocked all over the places and I've got a nice little scar on my leg.

"With 200 metres to go I was in a good position and then Kiprop stepped out in front of me and that blow my momentum because I'm the sort of runner that finds it very hard to suddenly change pace."

However, after a string of forgettable seasons Lancashire - who turned 30 earlier this month - remains upbeat that he can return to the Olympic team after an eight year break in Rio.

He will watch next month's World Championships in Beijing for motivation and sit down with coach Steve Vernon to find the races he needs to further build confidence fractured by so many recent disappointments.

"I'm getting stronger all the time but I need to keep finding races," added Lancashire, speaking at the event, a partnership with British Athletics that builds on Sainsbury’s support for the 2012 Paralympics and recognises that sport can unite and inspire children of all ages.

"It's been a weird season because I only decided halfway through to focus on the 1500m and I'm coming into shape now and it's too late to make championship teams. Hopefully I can find some good races in the weeks ahead and I can start to bring my times down.

"I want to feel like I'm back to my old self and I know if that happens I can be competitive in races like this and then hopefully selection for the big events will look after itself."

Sainsbury's is a proud partner of British Athletics. The partnership reflects Sainsbury's wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury's School Games. www.sainsburys.co.uk