The parkrun events, which can trace their roots to Bushy Park and Richmond borough, are being suspended in Russia.

The 5K runs have become a global phenomenon, however organisers were criticised by some UK participants for continuing to sanction events in Russia.

Now the chief executive, Russ Jefferys, has announced parkrun will no longer officially recognise events held in Russia.

The news provoked an extraordinary response from the organisers of Russia's biggest parkrun, who risked a backlash from the Putin regime by saying they were opposed to the war.

Mr Jefferys explained the suspension, saying: "Given the shocking situation in Ukraine and in light of the atrocities being committed there by Russia, we have decided to suspend the operation of all parkrun events in Russia, with immediate effect.

"parkrun is a health and wellbeing charity - not a sporting organisation - with a mission to make the world healthier and happier, and so the decision to temporarily cancel events in Russia is not taken lightly."

He added: "We understand that in doing so, regrettably, we are removing the opportunity for ordinary Russian people to participate in our events. We know that these people are not responsible for their country's invasion of another sovereign state.

"However, we cannot ignore the fact that the war being waged in Ukraine by Russia is an act of devastating aggression toward innocent people that directly conflicts with our charitable objective of promoting health and happiness across the world.

"We hope that in taking this decision we help to highlight and reinforce the inhumane and unacceptable nature of this action by the Russian leadership."

The messaged was endorsed by the parkrun found Paul Sinton Hewitt, who held the first event at Bushy Park in October 2004.

He said: "Russia's aggressive invasion of Ukraine is wholly unacceptable. My heart goes out to all people affected by the tragic actions on one man."

The organisers of Russia's biggest parkrun – parkrun Kuzminki - insisted they are opposed to war.

Writing on Twitter, they said: "We understand the reason for the suspension. We understand the position of parkrun Global. But, these measures will not give the effect that is planned.

"People in Russia will not come out to protest, because the inhuman machine of power will destroy them. And all the prohibitions of the world community look like finishing off the already trampled russians, who aren't to blame for anything. We want peace! We don't want war!

"We are grateful that parkrun has given us so many friends all over the world. We hope that at least this friendship cannot be cancelled!"