Alex's Great State Race 2025

Event Overview

Each fall, on the Friday before the Michigan–Michigan State football game, ROTC cadets from both universities unite to carry the game ball on a 64-mile journey from the University of Michigan’s Diag to the Sparty Statue in East Lansing. This powerful tradition redefines the rivalry, highlighting teamwork and a shared commitment to making education accessible to all.

Alex’s Great State Race 2025 - Great Race, Greater Purpose

Join Alex’s Great State Race (AGSR) — a tradition that transforms the spirited Michigan State vs. University of Michigan rivalry into a powerful display of teamwork, inclusion, and accessibility. The race honors the life and legacy of Alex Powell, a Spartan whose extraordinary courage and determination continue to inspire. While facing a rare and aggressive cancer, Alex embraced his MSU experience with resilience, optimism, and leadership, supported in part by MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities and treatment at U-M. His dream of making the world better lives on through AGSR, which unites Spartans and Wolverines in support of students with disabilities at both universities.

In-Person Relay Event

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

• Distance: Nearly 64 miles between campuses.
• Symbolism: Honors Alex’s story and the shared commitment to access and inclusion.
• Register: Individuals can track the team’s progress online throughout the day.
• Action: Cheer on the relay team virtually!

Month-Long Virtual Component

Date: October 2025

• Involvement: Run, walk, or roll your miles anytime, anywhere.
• Registration: Register online and choose your distance.
• Pacing: Complete your miles at your own pace throughout October.
• Sharing: Submit your results through RunSignUp and share your photos and stories to inspire others!

Support Options

When registering, you can also choose to direct your support to either:

• MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities: Learn more
• U-M’s Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services: Learn more
• Split Support: Alternatively, choose to split your support between both.

Why Participate?

Whether you’re a Spartan, a Wolverine, or simply a supporter of equitable access, Alex’s Great State Race gives you a chance to celebrate community while making a real impact.

Together, we race for access. Together, we race for inclusion.

Event Link

For more details, visit: Alex's Great State Race 2025