Mayor Don Atchison is throwing his hat into the ring two years ahead of the next civic election.

Atchison has announced he will seek an unprecedented fifth term in office when Saskatoon residents next go to the polls in October 2016.

Atchison is currently halfway through his fourth term and will hold the distinction of being the city’s longest-serving mayor when his four-year term ends.

He won a close race with political newcomer Tom Wolf in the 2012 civic election, retaining the mayor’s chair with 52 per cent of the vote.

A number of city councillors haven't ruled out running for mayor in the next election.