Aberdeen runner spreads festive cheer

An Aberdeen runner has got into the festive spirit - by creating a giant Santa while running a marathon.

Iain Young, who works for offshore helicopter operator Babcock, used the Strava app to record his special 26-mile run around the streets of the city.

In the process, he drew a picture of Santa in three hours and 51 minutes, even with stopping and starting to make sure he was going the right way.

Iain said: “I really enjoy running so thought drawing a massive Santa would be a great way to say Merry Christmas to my Babcock colleagues, while keeping my training up at the same time.

“Running at this time of year isn’t always easy and the weather hasn’t been great but this was good motivation to get out and get some miles done.

“I didn’t set out to do a marathon but a few wrong turns and it ended up being a long run.”

 Iain is training to run from Dundee to Aberdeen next year – an 80-mile route.

He added: “It was quite complicated but a lot of fun – and I was really pleased it worked out so well. It took a while to plan out the route but I think it makes a pretty convincing Santa.”