The Barossa Half Marathon and Fun Run is the best rural running and walking event in South Australia, because of the excellent facilities and professional organisation and it is believed to be the oldest surviving country running event in South Australia.

This reputation has attracted other events such as the 1999 Australian Masters Games Half Marathon and the 2000 Oceania Games Half Marathon to the Barossa Valley. The events have fostered the careers of many leading State athletes and encouraged the general public to participate, as runners or walkers. Local businesses have benefited over the past 21 years by the influx to the region by participants and their families and local community organisations have received generous donations for their assistance. It is estimated that during the 22 years that the events have been held, well over 4,000 competitors have participated. During the past few years an average of 250 runners and walkers and their families from all over South Australia and interstate have stayed in the Barossa to enjoy the local hospitality and events.