Day 532 – US – Minnesota [St Cloud to Monticello]

18/09/21

48km

  From St Cloud (Minnesota) to Monticello (Minnesota)

North America

Awesome run on the country roads and trails of rural Minnesota – and fun times in Monticello

Misty sunrise

I set out this morning thinking I was going to cross the Mississippi river, which is running just east of St Cloud. But as it turned out, the country road I followed kept south of the river. I saw glimpses of it every now and then but still haven’t crossed it. The Mississippi is the 2nd longest river of the country (after the Missouri River – which I crossed in Bismarck, North Dakota). I will get to cross the Mississippi between Minneapolis and St Paul in a few days time.

Otter Creek Park, Monticello, Minnesota

I enjoyed a great breakfast of belgium waffles, which Rick and Bev had gifted me yesterday. And last night they sent me a message saying they had visited the Nordic Brewing Co pub in Monticello, and that I should go there after my run, my beer would be on the house. I was eager to go! Monticello has a lot of parks and pathways and I particularly enjoyed running through the Otter Creek Park – very pretty and green.

With artist Hallie, painting a mural in Monticello, Minnesota

As I reached Monticello, I spotted a girl working on a large mural painting. I was surprised. I always thought these were done using spray paint, but Hallie was at work with paint brushes! I stopped by for a chat. I have seen amazing murals in all the cities I have run through since Seattle. At least I got to meet one of the artists today! I then made my way to the Nordic Brewing Co – sampled some of their delicious homemade brews – and local food.

Enjoy the video of today’s run: https://www.relive.cc/view/v4OGEzNLrmq

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: