Outraged runners are campaigning against the council’s decision to charge Parkrun for use of its parks for free running events.

More than 2,600 people have signed a petition against free Saturday runs being capped at 100 runners and an annual fee of £624 plus VAT being charged.

Andy Bullock, from the campaign featured on change.org, said: “In an era of the obesity epidemic, Wandsworth Council is denying not only its electorate the opportunity to participate in free, organised activity in their own open spaces, but also the children of the borough.”

Supporter Penny Cooper said: “My daughter who is overweight has always been embarrassed to run in any event, but will do Parkrun as she can walk if she needs to and is made to feel completely welcome.”

Wandsworth Council said it supported the principle of Parkrun, an initiative that has grown to include 270 events across the UK.

Community services spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “If councillors support the idea at their meeting next week then our officials will meet formally with Parkrun and look to reach an agreement for the borough to start hosting these events on a six-month trial basis.”

Having adequate litter picking, stewarding and emergency care available for runners will need to be agreed.

Sadiq Khan MP said: “The 2,200 people who signed the petition to bring Parkrun to Wandsworth did so under the premise that it would be free; at no cost to anyone.

“This is how the Parkrun model works – bringing communities together to use our green spaces to get fit, for free. And this is how it has worked in over 300 boroughs across the country.

“From Barking to Bexley, from Richmond to Redbridge, councils across our city support the initiative and yet Wandsworth Council refuses to back down from their policy of charging people to use their commons and parks.

“I completely support Parkrun campaigners in their rejection of the council’s proposals to trial Parkrun at the expense of other services.”

The council said there was also the possibility of a grant being issued from its public health budget to help fund the initiative.

Councillors will discuss the proposals on Thursday, November 27.