A man in Toronto has become an internet sensation after creating a unique video of his running routes that appears like a dancing stick man. Duncan McCabe, a 32-year-old accountant, used the route-tracking app Strava to blend his love for running and editing skills to produce the viral video. The video has garnered a massive 25 million views on X (formerly Twitter) and over nine million hits on TikTok.
The video caption reads, “Strava art animation through the streets of Toronto! This took me 121 runs from January to October 2024.” McCabe drew inspiration from San Francisco Strava artist Lenny Maughan and Toronto’s Mike Scott, who previously created a giant beaver across the city using his bike’s GPS route.
For six months, McCabe meticulously planned and executed the animation, adding a hat-tip to the stick person’s head for creativity and a nod to the accompanying song. He ensured that the stick man remained the same size in every frame and mapped out the entire process over 10 months.
The video received widespread praise from the running community and social media users for its meticulous planning and flawless execution. Many expressed admiration for the effort and creativity put into the project, with one user calling it “one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen anyone do.”
This isn’t the first time McCabe has created running art on such a grand scale. Last year, he posted an animation featuring various animals in Toronto’s streets by running 700 kilometers. The stick figures included a dinosaur, a giraffe, a whale, and a shark.
In a similar vein, a man in the UK recently made headlines for creating a giant GPS drawing of a penis across South Wales to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health issues. Terry Rosoman, 39, ran 120 kilometers over 24 hours to create the record-breaking drawing, stating his intention to raise awareness while also humorously acknowledging the attention it would bring.
McCabe’s innovative approach to combining running, art, and technology has captured the attention of millions worldwide, showcasing the endless possibilities of creativity and passion.
