The sun pounded the private equity runners as their feet pounded the pavement for 26.2 miles from the town of Marathon to the centre of Athens yesterday. The Marathon of Marathons brought together 250 industry professionals to run the original route.

The race was not an easy one - the first 20 miles were uphill, with one small decline the only noticeable relief. The sun was also on the course the entire time, with the sweltering heat a constant reminder why this race is deemed the hardest of the world's famous marathons.

Mercifully, the course proved more forgiving towards the end and offered a gentle decline for the last 6 miles - by which time many runners had succumbed to walking.

This Herculean effort (which has left most participants sunburnt and limping) has a softer side, namely fundraising for ten children's charities globally. The runners have raised €1.4m already and are looking to increase this to €2.5m.

Firms already supporting the cause and claiming bragging rights to running medals include 3i, Adams Street, Apax, Arcus, Bridgepoint, Campbell Lutyens, Capital Dynamics, Capvis, Coller, Ernst & Young, Lazard, Meridiam, Pantheon, Partners Group, PEI, Pomona, and Platina.

There is still time to get involved - and the great news is that by committing now, you run no risk of being asked to do a marathon...

A Supporters Club is open to non-running firms. To join, a minimum donation of €2,500 is asked, with Abraaj, Barings Asia, Bowmark, Cinven, Factset, HgCapital, Milestone Capital and Permira all vying to become the highest supporter in the Club. To learn more about the event or to become a member of the Supporters Club, please go to www.marathonofmarathons.org