MSU and UM ROTC Cadets stand in front of Sparty statue on MSU's campus just before 1:00am, Friday morning, October 25.

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ROTC cadets run rivalry game ball from East Lansing to Ann Arbor

By Maureen Halliday

Published: Oct. 25, 2024 at 6:16 AM EDT

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The ROTC cadets at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are running the rivalry game ball from East Lansing to Ann Arbor. The race serves as a reminder of the critical work done by the RCPD at MSU and UM’s Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services in supporting students with disabilities. It’s part of Alex’s Great State Race as the cadets run the ball 64 miles from MSU to U of M. The race honors Alex Powell, a former MSU student who loved sports and being a Spartan. Alex received support from MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities when diagnosed with cancer and died on May 8, 2011.

This year, participants are also encouraged to take part virtually by running, walking, rolling, or hiking, as many miles as they wish on October 25. Miles logged in support of MSU or UM can be donated to show team spirit while helping a meaningful cause.

To learn more, register, or donate, click here.

Paralympian Paul Schulte, 2024 Gold medalist on TEAM USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team and Ann Arbor native, will join U-M Adaptive Sports & Fitness adaptive athletes and staff for the last mile of the race onto the Diag Friday.

The cadets left East Lansing at midnight Friday and will get to Ann Arbor around noon.

The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry game is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Big House.