Embracing Bravery (With a Dash of Joy and Smiles Along the Way)

The Harcourts Values are more than just words on a wall. 

All around the world, in the places Harcourts operates, the Values are lived by the Harcourts team. And recently, three international members of that team met in Queenstown, New Zealand to do just that – live the values - by running over 21 kilometres together.

Katrina Tarrant, CEO of Harcourts NSW and Mitch Green, Head of People and Culture, crossed the Tasman to join Vanessa Balfour, Wellington Regional Manager, in Queenstown to take part in a half marathon.

“The International Realty Queenstown Marathon presented by ASICS is an annual running festival set in the stunning Queenstown Lakes district,” explains Ms Balfour.

“Queenstown is indeed one of the most breathtaking places in New Zealand, and the Queenstown Marathon is a major highlight for runners worldwide.

The combination of stunning landscapes and the running challenge makes it a truly special event. Now in its tenth year, it’s known as the one of the most scenic marathons in the world!”

Distances range from full marathon, half, 10km and kids’ run options. All courses are runner friendly, flat to rolling countryside, with as little tarmac and as much easy trail running as possible. 

“It’s not just the physical challenge of running a marathon or half marathon; it’s the mental and emotional rewards that come from setting and achieving a goal.

Having something to focus on, especially something that pushes you outside your comfort zone, and like the Value, ‘being courageous’, it brings a sense of accomplishment that can positively impact every area of life—whether it’s work, personal growth, or overall energy levels and mindset.”

“Vanessa invited me while I was over for NZLC and I thought it sounded like a great idea,” continues Mr Green.

“I knew Kat had ambitions of one day running a half, so I sent her a message and she quickly came back with a ‘yes’.

We all had different training plans that we shared with each other in our ‘Run Club’ workplace chat group.”

“It was hard work, but also living the fun & laughter Value and being encouraged by seeing each other’s progress in the weeks leading up to it, until we finally met in Queenstown for the big event.”

“Completing my first half marathon was deeply personal, a journey that mirrored a year of transformation and resilience. Every step reminded me that strength comes from community, purpose, and never giving up,” commented Ms Tarrant.

“Running alongside the unwavering support of my Harcourts family, I was lifted by my incredible teammates, Vanessa and Mitch, whose encouragement made each stride lighter.

In a way this journey has been about the ‘doing the right thing’ Value - embracing life in all its messy, sacred, and beautifully wild moments, and I couldn’t be more grateful for those who walk – and run – this path with me.” 

Ms Balfour agrees: “The fact that we decided to take on this challenge together and to share in the journey is so inspiring, and it’s a great reminder that goals are often more achievable when you have a supportive team around you.” 

The Harcourts Run Club has been born. With plans in place already for Run Club expansion, the Harcourts Values will continue be lived by the threesome, plus others who want to Be Courageous, and face this running challenge. 

With some Fun & Laughter along the way.

Source Harcourts