A new course record, thousands of entrants and brilliant sunshine were among the highlights of this year’s Great Eastern Run.

The Perkins sponsored event again attracted the elite athletes alongside the club runners, joggers and fun runners.

More than 3,400 people took part in the half marathon around the city’s streets with just over 1,000 people of all ages registering for the 5km fun run.

Thousands more enjoyed the sunshine as they lined the race route to cheer on those taking part.

This year’s race was also attended by Great Britain’s gold medal winning 400m athlete Iwan Thomas, who encouraged the runners to do their best and enjoy the day.

There was fierce competition in the half marathon with last year’s winner, Kenyan Raymond Tonui returning to the city to defend his title.

However Tonui had to settle for second place after fellow Kenyan, William Chebon, breezed across the line in first place in a time of 62 minutes and 57 seconds – a new Great Eastern Run course record.

Chebon recorded the fastest half marathon ever seen in Peterborough and said: “It was a great race and I’d love to come back next year and run even faster.”

Tonui comfortably finished second in 63 minutes 35 seconds, with Kenyan Ezekeil Cherop third in a time of 66 minutes.

In the women’s race, Bedford’s Jo Wilkinson successfully defended her title, crossing the finishing line in first place in a personal best time of 72 minutes and 36 seconds – two minutes faster than her 2007 time and the quickest women’s time in the race’s history.

Second place went to Kenyan Joyce Kandia who completed the event in 73 minutes and four seconds, with Colchester’s Sarah Stradling crossing the finish in third with a time of 78 minutes and 14 seconds.

Supporters around the course continued to cheer the club and novice runners on their way around the race route and towards the finish line on the Embankment.

“What a fantastic event,” said Perkins marketing communications services manager Adrian Talbot, as he presented the awards to the winning athletes. “The Great Eastern Run has once again attracted thousands of professional and fun runners, many of who have raised tens of thousands of pounds for local and national charities.

“I’d like to congratulate all the Perkins runners who competed in and completed the half marathon and fun run. It was great to see so many of you cross the finish line; what a fantastic personal achievement.”

PICTURE: More than 4,000 people took part in this year's Great Eastern Run half marathon and fun run.