The London Marathon is still scheduled to go ahead on October 3 now COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the United Kingdom ©Getty Images

Organisers of mass participation running events across the United Kingdom have celebrated the return of outdoor events following the Government's easing of COVID-19 restrictions in England.

With restrictions set to be eased from next Monday (July 19), the Mass Participations Sports Organisers (MSO) welcomed the move, which now allows some of the biggest races in England to restart - including the weekly five-kilometre run, Parkrun.

"The work of MSO has ensured our much-loved events can return and we invite everyone to take part - join your local parkrun, enter one of the nation's iconic events and think about raising funds for the charity of your choice," said Nick Pearson, chief executive of parkrun Global.

"We can't wait to welcome back our parkrun family on July 24."

The Standard Chartered Great City Race - a 5km race in London is set to be the first event on the MSO event calendar on Tuesday (July 20); while the ASICS London 10K is due to take place on July 25.

"It is wonderful to confirm that our great mass participation events are returning across the country," said Hugh Brasher, event director of London Marathon Events.

"Extensive scientific research worldwide has shown that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 outdoors is negligible.

"The UK's event organisers have worked together to ensure the safe return of mass participation sports events outdoors by participating in the Government's Events Research Programme and collaborating on a range of protocols that ensure our events will be safe and Covid-secure."

The MSO has worked with Run Britain, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Sport England to agree COVID-19 protocols to ensure mass participation events can be held safely.

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is set for August 1, followed by the return of Cancer Research UK's Race for Life and Pretty Muddy events on August 8 and the Vitality Big Half on August 22, also in London.

In September, the London Summer Run, Great North Run, Brighton Marathon and the Hackney Half are also set to take place; followed by the London Marathon on October 3.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon and Manchester Marathon is due for October 10, while the Oxford Half is scheduled for October 17.

On Sunday (July 11), London Marathon Events held the Vitality London 10,000 and Vitality Mile at Hatfield Park as part of the Events Research Programme, acting as a test event for Government research in relation to COVID-19.