A 32-year-old Toronto-based chartered accountant, Duncan McCabe, has captured the imagination of the internet with his innovative use of a route-tracking app. McCabe, a passionate runner, meticulously planned and executed 121 runs over 10 months to create a digital art masterpiece on Strava, a popular GPS route-mapping app.
His creation, a dancing stick figure grooving to Sofi Tukker’s Purple Hat, has gone viral, amassing over 25 million views and 407,000 likes on social media platforms.
McCabe’s ambitious project required running approximately 10 kilometers daily between January and October 2024. The result is a seamless 30-second animation that showcases his dedication and artistic flair. “The key was to make the movements fluid,” McCabe explained. “I had to ensure at least 120 frames to avoid choppiness.”
I’ve seen a lot of the Toronto running community, but this guy wins. pic.twitter.com/il9LBXyiSD
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) November 21, 2024
Inspired by Strava artists like Lenny Maughan and Mike Scott, McCabe began designing the stick figure early in the year. The animation incorporates intricate details, such as a hat that only appears mid-year, reflecting the song’s theme. He braved harsh weather conditions to complete the runs, driven by his vision of creating a mesmerizing visual.
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McCabe isn’t new to this creative endeavor. In 2023, he designed GPS sketches of animals like a dinosaur, giraffe, whale, and shark by running 700 kilometers through Toronto’s streets. He is part of a growing community of athletes who use Strava to produce artwork, blending fitness with innovation.
McCabe’s efforts have garnered widespread acclaim. Comments poured in, praising his creativity and perseverance. “This is insanely impressive,” one user said, while another added, “The amount of effort and planning that goes into this is mind-blowing.”
While McCabe is making waves in the digital art world, his professional life is equally impressive. He is a Senior Finance Manager at PointClickCare, with a career spanning roles at Canada Goose, PwC, and McMaster University. Known for his expertise in financial reporting and data analytics, McCabe’s innovative streak extends beyond his professional accomplishments, merging art, fitness, and technology.
This remarkable project underscores the endless possibilities of creativity, even in unexpected avenues like route-tracking apps.
