TWO runners have created a route around Colchester in the shape of an iconic elephant.

Nick Oakley and his daughter, Joey, are both keen runners. Nick being on the Running Colchester committee.

Joey bought a GPS (Global Positioning System) running watch to track his runs and Nick went out on a jog around Castle Park with her.

On uploading the route, they noticed it roughly resembled an elephant.

Nick said: “At first it was an elephant without legs but my daughter said if we ran up certain roads we could make the full elephant.

“We went out a couple of times to finalise it, it was just out of boredom.

“But now it makes a perfect elephant.”

The route starts at the bandstand, the same as the usual Castle Park Parkrun, and is roughly the same distance.

It takes about 40 minutes to complete. This is the second time the route has been released publicly, with 60 runners taking to the route the first time.

Nick said: “People have come from far and wide, from Scotland and Wales to do this, I never knew it even existed as a concept.

“It is so appropriate for Colchester being the symbol of the town, plus with the zoo and Jumbo.

“What better animal to have as a route. It’s a bit of fun.”

The elephant run will take place after the regular Parkrun in Castle Park on December 28.

It takes in part of the park, the Riverside Walk and East Hill. It will start at 10am.

To find out more search for Jumbo’s 2nd birthday on Facebook.