Perkins Engines Company Limited, principal sponsor of the Perkins Great Eastern Run, has pledged its financial backing to the race for another five years.

The company, which has been based in Peterborough for 78 years and which employs more than 2,500 people in the city, has joined forces with Peterborough City Council to ensure the Perkins Great Eastern Run becomes even bigger and better next year and beyond to 2015.

Perkins president Gwenne Henricks and Peterborough City Council chief executive Gillian Beasley announced the firm's five-year deal to sponsor the race in front of assembled crowds in Cathedral Square before yesterday's (October 10) race began.

Perkins sponsored the race when it returned to the city in 2006 and has continued to do so ever since. Up to now, however, the sponsorship has been renewed on a yearly basis.

Gwenne said: "Perkins is delighted to be able to pledge its ongoing support to this great event which brings thousands of people together every year – whether running or as supporters.

"We're proud to be associated with a community event which continues to attract thousands of runners from across the region and further afield. I look forward to seeing the Perkins Great Eastern Run continue to continue to grow over the next five years."

These sentiments were echoed by Gillian who added: "Perkins' pledge to support us for the next five years is fantastic news for the city. I am thrilled that with Perkins sponsorship Peterborough City Council can continue to stage the half marathon without any cost to the council taxpayer. It is a wonderful event that unites the community, attracts visitors to Peterborough, and puts the city firmly on the sporting calendar.

"Now that we know Perkins and Peterborough City Council will work together for the next five years we can continue to improve what is already the greatest run in the Eastern region."