Admin note: The following is just one possible route across the state of Minnesota. Mark Dowdle appears to have the supported FKT in just shy of 3 days 17 hours:
https://youtu.be/81oKSES57i4
https://www.strava.com/activities/6055665536
This Run Across Minnesota route traces the Soo Line Southern Route rail trail from the Wisconsin border, connecting up with the Wobegon and Central Lakes trails up to Fergus Falls. The final stretch follows farm roads west to Wahpeton, North Dakota. The majority of the route, aside from Fergus Falls to Wahpeton, follows trails with minimal vehicle traffic (only ATVs and snowmobiles).
Wild life and natural beauty are not a short commodity along this route. You're likely to see deer and black bears along the Soo Line and then you'll transition to scenic prairie and lakes along the Wobegon and Central Lakes trails.The Soo Line is more remote, while the Wobegon and Central Lakes trails are lined with towns about every 7 miles.
The route was traversed from east to west, but it can readily be done from west to east.
In researching this route, I came across other varying routes across Minnesota.
In 2023, Rob Greer ran across southern Minnesota from Devil's Gulch, SD to Freedom Island, WI. He covered the route of over 250 miles in about a week. Rob's run report can be read here:
https://www.rovepestcontrol.com/blog/run-across-mn/
In 2015, Julio Salazar ran across Minnesota for mental health awareness. Salazar's route was approximately 240 miles and also took about a week. A news article on Salazar's effort can be read here:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/minnesota/news/man-completes-run-across-minnesota-to-raise-awareness-for-mental-health/
In 2020, Mikah Meyer completed a 210 mile run across Minnesota between September 4 and October 11. Meyer ran to promote diversity and inclusion and he has, in fact, also run across several other states. You can reference his Minnesota run here:
https://www.mikahmeyer.com/runacrossmn
The above list is likely not exhaustive, so feel free to contribute any other known efforts within the comments. It's important to always respect and appreciate those who have run the paths and trails before us.
