LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has been 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.

Rachel Job, Director at Ealing Half Marathon CIC, said: "Ealing Half Marathon is fully supportive of the return of Parkrun.

"We welcome the support from the Mayor of London, the Government and Public Health England for Parkrun and believe events such as Parkrun and our own are hugely important to communities and the very fabric of society."

Tom Kerry, Running Mayor for Ealing, said: "Research has shown outdoor activities such as Parkrun have a very low risk of COVID-19 transmission and we know that Parkrun events have proven health and wellbeing benefits; their return plays a vital role in our community as we navigate our way along the roadmap and a return to normality."