London Mayor Sadiq Khan is today appealing to landowners, including London councils and the Royal Parks, to support the return of parkrun events on June 5.

He has written an open letter to everyone involved to get behind the hugely-popular 5k run events, which have been cancelled for more than a year due to social distancing rules.

Politicians across all parties are supporting the return of parkrun, however London councils have been slow - compared to the rest of the country - to approve the re-start on June 5.

In his letter, Mayor Khan writes: "The power of sport to improve Londoners' physical and mental health, whilst reducing social isolation, can be transformative.

"As London begins to recover from the pandemic, Parkrun offers a free, regular and inclusive model that can help Londoners get running and jogging again this summer.

"Parkrun is a London success story. Originating in 2004 in Bushy Park, it is now delivered in 22 countries worldwide, with over seven million participants, all supported by brilliant teams of volunteer organisers.

"The Government has approved their COVID-19 framework to restart events across the country and I welcome the fact they are now keen to return on Saturday, June 5."

He adds: "London's borough councils and other landowners have played a crucial role in keeping Londoners safe, maintaining the city's green spaces and carefully supporting the return of safe grassroots sport.

"I hope they will join me in supporting the return of Parkrun - and my City Hall team stand ready to work with London Councils, the Parkrun team and volunteer organisers to help make this a reality."

The call from the Labour mayor of London echoes similar statements from Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston in Parliament, and leading sports figures including Olympian Greg Rutherford.

Tens of thousands of people across the capital face losing out unless councils give approval. The event has won plaudits for offering people of all ages and abilities the possibility to take part in an activity that is a boost to physical and mental health.

Despite the plea, the Royal Parks have confirmed it will not allow the events to return before June 21 – at the earliest.

A spokesperson told Nub News: "The Royal Parks looks forward to welcoming the return of parkrun and other small events fully back into the parks from June 21 onwards, dependent on the national restrictions being lifted on the dates set out by the Prime Minister in the lockdown roadmap.

"The parks have been extremely popular during the pandemic with unprecedented visitor numbers - which has also impacted on the parks' landscape and wildlife welfare – and we must balance the needs of everyday park users and those who attend small events while we await the lifting of regulations on 21 June.

"Following the Government announcement on February 22, we've already supported a small number of existing running clubs and event organisers to permit the return of running events of a limited, manageable capacity since April 19 2021.

"All current small running events are dependent on these activities being in line with Covid-19 safety protocols - such as a limited capacity of 250 participants and staggered starts. We will not be able to allow any non-running events to take place before 21 June."

Richmond Borough Council has also said it will not allow parkrun to return in Crane Park and Old Deer Park until June 21.

It said: "The return of Parkrun is being considered through the Safety Advisory Group. We are looking towards June 21st in accordance with Step 4 of the Roadmap."