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

Alex’s Great State Race

October 20, 2023
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. Race details in the RaceJoy App will come in October 2023.

News & Media Coverage

Army ROTC Cadets from MSU and UofM running in rain on a back country road
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The big Michigan vs. Michigan State football game isn't just about rivalry and tailgates, it's also about highlighting the disability programs on both campuses through Alex's Great State Race.
Six MSU Army ROTC Cadets standing in front of the AGSR transportation bus holding the game ball and ready to begin the race
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - While Spartan and Wolverine fans gear up for the big rivalry game this week, members of the Michigan and Michigan State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) met for a special pregame tradition.
Army ROTC Cadets from MSU and UofM taking off at starting line in the rain at 3:00am in Ann Arbor
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students from Michigan State and the University of Michigan are running 64 miles for a game-day tradition.

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.

01
Amazing young man
02
Rival schools coming together
10
Years celebrating
640
miles and counting