A group of MSU students running together, carrying an American flag

Alex’s Great State Race

October 24, 2025
Ann Arbor, MI to East Lansing, MI

Alex Powell

About Alex

Alex Powell's short life is a testament to the courage, tenacity and spirit that epitomize the best in both Wolverines and Spartans. Learn more about the extraordinary young man for whom this race is named.

Supporters watching the race

About the Great State Race

Since 2014, ROTC cadets from MSU and UM have joined together to run 64 miles from East Lansing to Ann Arbor and present the home team with the game ball for the rivalry football game. Learn more about how this celebration continues to grow.

University of Michigan and Michigan State University ROTC members walking Alex's Great State Race

Track the Ball

RaceJoy provides an interactive experience for live tracking. The RaceJoy experience includes Cheer Sending by remote spectators, progress alerts at every mile, and automated virtual results submission. RaceJoy will allow for instant progress of the game ball and ROTC cadets as they make the trek from University of Michigan to Michigan State University. 

How to Track the AGSR Runners:

1. Download the RaceJoy App

2. Search for "Alex's Great State Race" and add, then click next

3. Select "I Want to Track a Runner"

4. Search for AGSR in either the first or last name field

5. Select and Track then Fill Out the Spectator Profile

6. Track Louis Goldstein (UM) 

News & Media Coverage

Cadets running along the road
For 12 years, the game day football has been carried on the 64-mile trek between the respective homes of the state’s most famous college sports rivalry — Ann Arbor and East Lansing.
ROTC Cadets from MSU and UM carrying flags and running on a brisk fall day.
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.
Cadets crossing the finish line
Alex’s Great State Race — the annual 64-mile race between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University that honors former Spartan Alex Powell — ends in success for the 12th year.

Support Alex’s Great Race

Alex's Great State Race raises money for the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities and U-M Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services. Learn more about how you can get involved and make a positive impact on the lives of these students.

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Amazing young man
02
Rival schools coming together
12
Years celebrating
768
miles and counting