In the bustling streets of Toronto, Duncan McCabe, a 32-year-old accountant with an unwavering passion for running and creativity, has turned his daily runs into a viral sensation.
Combining meticulous planning with physical endurance, he created a dancing stickman animation by running over 1100 kilometers, tracking his route with Strava. His story has captivated millions globally, sparking admiration for both the artistry and the dedication behind the feat.
The Art of Strava Animation – Dancing stickman
Duncan McCabe’s journey began in January 2024, fueled by inspiration from renowned Strava artists like San Francisco’s Lenny Maughan and Toronto’s Mike Scott. McCabe spent ten months meticulously mapping out his routes, ensuring each segment of his “stickman” aligned perfectly.
Each run, part of a larger frame-by-frame animation, contributed to the final masterpiece: a dancing stick figure tipping its hat. This innovative concept took 121 separate runs, spanning various neighborhoods and covering an astonishing 1100 kilometers.
Creating such art required precision beyond imagination. Every route had to be carefully planned, taking into account both the street layout and the overall coherence of the animation.
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McCabe didn’t just run; he sculpted each path, ensuring the stickman’s head, arms, and legs remained proportional across all frames. The hat-tip, as McCabe noted, added a creative flourish while paying homage to the song that inspired the animation’s rhythm.
What an absolute legend!!
— Divya (@I_Madcap) November 23, 2024
Duncan made dancing stickman by running over 1100 kms for a year!!
Insta: dmcstrava pic.twitter.com/5Mnn2ZyP7M
The viral video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, quickly garnered over 25 million views, capturing hearts with its blend of physical achievement and artistic ingenuity. “Strava art animation through the streets of Toronto! This took me 121 runs from January to October 2024,” read McCabe’s caption, succinctly summarizing the extraordinary journey.
A Community Inspired
The running community and social media users alike were quick to celebrate McCabe’s accomplishment. Comments poured in, praising not only the final product but the sheer effort involved. “This is one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen anyone do,” remarked one user, while another added, “The amount of effort and planning that goes into this is insane.”
Such reactions highlight the universal appeal of McCabe’s work: it’s not just about running or animation but the intersection of discipline, creativity, and endurance.
For McCabe, the project wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to blend passion with purpose.
His story has sparked conversations about what’s possible with modern technology and human determination. The Strava app, primarily used for tracking fitness, became a canvas for expression, transforming everyday streets into a stage for art.
This wasn’t McCabe’s first foray into Strava art. In 2023, he created animal animations, including a dinosaur, giraffe, whale, and shark, by running 700 kilometers.
Each project builds on the last, showcasing not only his evolving skills but an ever-expanding vision of what can be achieved through running. His dedication sets a benchmark for creativity in fitness, inspiring others to think beyond conventional limits.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
McCabe’s viral success underscores a growing trend where fitness intersects with digital creativity. Strava art, once a niche pursuit, is gaining mainstream attention, thanks to pioneers like McCabe. These projects resonate globally because they combine personal stories with public spaces, transforming ordinary runs into extraordinary narratives.
His work has also drawn attention to the broader potential of GPS-based art. While McCabe’s stickman symbolizes dedication and joy, similar projects worldwide are harnessing this medium for social causes.
For instance, in the UK, Terry Rosoman used GPS tracking to create a giant drawing to raise awareness for men’s mental health. Such initiatives illustrate how art and activism can intersect, using public spaces to tell powerful stories.
Looking ahead, McCabe’s journey opens doors for future projects that blend technology, fitness, and art. His success invites others to explore how seemingly mundane activities can become platforms for innovation.
As Strava and similar apps evolve, the possibilities for creative expression are boundless. McCabe’s work serves as both inspiration and challenge: what can be achieved when passion meets perseverance?
Duncan McCabe’s dancing stickman is more than a viral sensation; it’s a testament to what’s possible when creativity and dedication converge.
Over ten months and 1100 kilometers, he transformed Toronto’s streets into a canvas, captivating millions and redefining what it means to run. His story is a celebration of human potential, inspiring us to look at everyday activities with fresh eyes and boundless imagination.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏