How has the sport of running affected Europe recreationally and competitvely?

Cross Country Runner: How has the sport of running affected Europe recreationally and competitvely?
Im doing a project on a topic in contemporary European affairs and I have to make a presentation.
How has the sport of running recently impacted Europe. (current affairs)

For example: social and health benefits
running charities in europe
running clubs (recreational part)

I need to type up a research paper and do a powerpoint.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Runner_incarnate
I’m not to sure about Southern and Eastern Europe, however, there has been a strong running presence in Western Europe (Especially the Germanic nations and British Isles). I would post this in Answers International.