Estate Agents Hit the Ground Running at the Inaugural Propertymark One Fun Run
The property industry is not typically associated with early morning starts and running shoes, but that's exactly what more than 50 property professionals signed up for when they laced up their trainers ahead of the Propertymark annual conference. The inaugural Propertymark One Fun Run proved to be a resounding success, bringing together estate agents, letting agents, and property professionals of all fitness levels to complete a 5km course — and in doing so, raising more than £2,000 for The Propertymark Trust.
It was a morning that blended community spirit, physical challenge, and charitable purpose, setting an inspiring tone for the rest of the conference that followed. Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who considers walking to the car a workout, this event offered something for everyone in the property sector.
What Was the Propertymark One Fun Run?
The Propertymark One Fun Run was organised as a pre-conference event, designed to bring delegates together in a relaxed, energetic setting before the more formal proceedings of the annual conference got underway. Held in the early morning, participants gathered to take on a 5km course that welcomed runners and walkers alike.
The event was open to property professionals of all abilities. From experienced athletes who completed the course at a competitive pace, to those who chose to walk the entire route, the atmosphere was described as inclusive, celebratory, and full of camaraderie. The shared goal wasn't just to cross the finish line — it was to raise vital funds for The Propertymark Trust, a charitable body that supports those working within the property profession.
What made this occasion particularly special was its status as the very first of its kind. As the inaugural edition of the Propertymark One Fun Run, it laid the groundwork for what could become a beloved annual tradition within the property industry calendar.
The Propertymark Trust: Why It Matters
All proceeds from the fun run went directly to The Propertymark Trust, giving the event a meaningful purpose beyond the physical challenge. The Propertymark Trust exists to support property professionals and their families who find themselves facing financial hardship or personal difficulties. It's a vital safety net for an industry where individuals often work in demanding, high-pressure environments.
The more than £2,000 raised through the fun run represents a tangible contribution to the Trust's ongoing efforts, helping ensure it can continue delivering support to those who need it most. For an event that was simply a 5km run held before a conference, the fundraising outcome was impressive — and a testament to the generosity of everyone who took part or donated.
Events like this also serve to raise broader awareness of the Trust among property professionals, many of whom may not have been fully aware of the support available to them or their colleagues.
A Community Coming Together
One of the most striking aspects of the Propertymark One Fun Run was the sheer variety of people who took part. The property industry encompasses a wide range of roles — from high-street estate agents and lettings negotiators to property managers, auctioneers, and industry suppliers. The fun run brought many of these different professionals together in a context far removed from valuations, viewings, and vendor management.
There's something uniquely bonding about physical activity undertaken as a group. Running or walking alongside colleagues, peers, and competitors in a spirit of shared endeavour strips away professional formalities and fosters genuine human connection. Many attendees likely found themselves having conversations they wouldn't have had in a conference room setting.
This kind of community-building is increasingly recognised as an important part of professional associations' roles. Beyond lobbying, training, and regulation, membership bodies like Propertymark have an opportunity to cultivate a real sense of belonging among the professionals they represent. The fun run did exactly that.
Why Events Like This Are Good for the Property Industry
Beyond the charitable fundraising and the community benefits, events like the Propertymark One Fun Run serve a broader purpose for the property industry's image and culture. The sector has long faced challenges around public perception, with estate agents frequently scoring poorly in trust surveys. Initiatives that highlight the human, community-minded side of property professionals help counter that narrative.
When estate agents and letting agents are seen fundraising for charity, supporting their colleagues, and engaging in positive community activities, it reinforces a more rounded and authentic picture of who these professionals really are. They are not simply transactional salespeople — they are community members who care about the people around them and the industry they work in.
Furthermore, physical wellbeing events like fun runs align with a growing industry conversation around mental health and staff wellbeing. Property is a demanding profession, and encouraging agents to prioritise their physical and mental health sends a positive message about the culture Propertymark wants to promote.
Looking Ahead: Will the Fun Run Return?
Given the enthusiastic turnout and the impressive funds raised, it would be surprising if the Propertymark One Fun Run did not return as an annual fixture. As a debut event, surpassing 50 participants and raising over £2,000 for charity represents a strong foundation to build upon in future years.
If the event grows year on year, it has the potential to become one of the highlights of the Propertymark conference calendar — a morning tradition that brings property professionals together before the day's formal agenda begins, united by a shared commitment to their community, their colleagues, and their charity.
Get Involved
If you're a property professional who wants to be part of the next Propertymark One Fun Run, keep an eye on updates from Propertymark regarding their upcoming annual conference. Whether you plan to run every step or walk the entire 5km, your participation makes a difference — both to The Propertymark Trust and to the broader culture of the property industry.
Events like this remind us that the property profession is about far more than bricks and mortar. It's about people, community, and making a positive impact wherever possible.