A significant fact that comes up in each country is that the attitude towards running is one of 'first the body, then the mind'. The physical benefits of running far outweigh the mental benefits when it comes to getting started, with health issues such as fitness (for 54% of runners) and weight-loss (for 40%) being the two main reasons why Europeans start running. As time goes by however, the balance shifts from the body to the mind as runners discover the mental rewards running gives them, with 34% declaring they do it for fun and 35% as a means of stress-relief.  To view Multimedia News Release, go to Exercise & Fitness Advice.