Day 514 – US – North Dakota [Bismarck to Sterling]

31/08/21

38km

  From Bismarck (North Dakota) to Sterling (North Dakota)

North America

Out in the country, running among the Drift Prairie – and great locals’ hospitality again

Green rolling hills out of Bismarck, ND

The landscapes are changing rapidly since I’ve run into North Dakota about 10 days ago. When entering Bismarck, I crossed the Missouri River. So from now on and all the way east to the James River basin (which I will reach in 3 days as I run through Jamestown) I’m in what’s called the Drift Prairie. Rolling hills and prairie filled with “drift”, a soil made of sand, gravel and clay.

Not much to see in Sterling besides the Motel & the Flash Bar!

It was a bit challenging to leave Bismarck this morning. Though I was running on a secondary road, traffic was heavy for the first 10km out of town. Then it eased and returned to normal – a car every 15mn, which is just fine by me! I reached Sterling at noon. A motel on the side of the road. And a bar about 1km further up the road. No store, no town to speak of. I made my way to the bar for a quick lunch.

With Kelly and Lee at the Flash Bar – a great afternoon!

I was met by very jovial, welcoming and curious locals. Lee and Kelly, local truckers, asked me straight away what I was doing. As we were discussing my running on the local roads, Jean the owner walked in and interrupted us to tell us the story of the woman she’s seen running on the road this morning with a stroller out of Bismarck – not realising it was me. We had a good laugh! My beers got paid for, I was asked to pose for pictures and I even received a very generous donation from Kelly. They asked me to return to the bar for the 5pm happy hour, but I’m not sure I’m up for a second round… I may see them on the road tomorrow! All in all, another great day on the road.

Check out today’s flyover video: https://www.relive.cc/view/v26MxjWxNEO

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: