As the world annually focuses on one of the most honored football rivalries in America, another tradition continues. On the Friday before game day, a team of ROTC cadets from both Michigan and Michigan State come together at the hosting University. They run the official game ball across 64 miles of Michigan back roads from campus to campus, in honor of Alex Powell's legacy and to bring awareness to a greater purpose.
This tradition defines the MSU / U-M rivalry in a new light; the next generation of minute men from both institutions, working together to bring awareness to a worthy cause that benefits both universities and addresses the fundamental reason they exist, “to make quality education accessible to all.”
Police agencies from every community along the route ensure a safe passage. A robust support system, including the services of Dean Trailways roll behind the runners. Every eight miles, another pair will take over, one carrying the game ball, the other an American Flag.
These two Big Ten powerhouses are rightly celebrated for their storied athletic traditions and the men and women who continually write new chapters in their history. Alex’s Great State Race reminds us of another powerful dimension; that all who have the capacity to learn, have access to the finest education possible.
Donations in celebration of this symbolic partnership between two elite educational institutions will help support the work of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at MSU and the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) at U-M.
Be Part of the Great Race, Greater Purpose, Virtually!
Join us virtually and show your support! The public can participate in Alex's Great State Race through the Virtual Purpose Challenge! For a $25 donation, you choose to support either Team MSU or Team UM in a friendly rivalry to help a great cause!
Run, walk, or roll any distance, at your own pace, anytime between October 1-24, 2025. Every step you take shows your commitment and support to creating opportunities for students with disabilities.
Register today, here, and proudly share your Spartan or Wolverine Spirit! Together, we make the Great Race and even Greater Purpose.
How It Works:
- Sign Up: Register online at Alex's Great State Race Ambassador (runsignup.com)
- Track Your Miles: During the month of October, at a time that fits into your schedule, run, walk, roll, or hike as many miles as you wish. No distance is too short. Log your distance into the RunSignUp link
- Compete: Watch the leaderboard to see which school is ahead in total miles!
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 the 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) or Robert Sullivan (MSU)
2025 Race Route - Coming Soon!
Runners will depart from U of M, in Ann Arbor, at 1:00 AM; Spartan and Wolverine fans are encouraged to gather at 12:30 AM to cheer on the runners as they start their race. Fans can later gather for the landing ceremony on MSU's campus in East Lansing to welcome runners as they land at approximately 11:45 AM. The ROTC cadets will be joined by a group of athletes with disabilities, MSU Student Veterans, and Wounded Warriors who will run the mile of the race.
Starting Site: U of M Campus - Ann Arbor
Landing Site: MSU Campus - East Lansing
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.
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