Alex's Great State Race 2025
- Date Fri 24th October 2025 - Sat 25th October 2025
- Time 12:00AM EDT
- Location East Lansing, Michigan
- Price Free
- Races 2 races
- Distances Ultra
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Alex's Great State Race 2025, taking place from Friday, October 24 to Saturday, October 25, 2025, in East Lansing, Ingham. This inspiring event features a symbolic 64-mile relay race where ROTC cadets from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University join forces to carry the game ball from the University of Michigan's Diag to the iconic Sparty Statue. This powerful tradition not only showcases the spirited rivalry between the two universities but also emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and a commitment to accessible education for all.
The race honors the legacy of Alex Powell, a courageous Spartan who faced significant challenges with unwavering optimism. Participants can engage in the excitement of the in-person relay on October 24 or take part in a month-long virtual component throughout October, allowing everyone to run, walk, or roll at their own pace. Whether you’re a passionate supporter of MSU or U-M, or simply an advocate for equitable access, Alex’s Great State Race is a chance to unite and make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us for a celebration of resilience and camaraderie, and together, let’s race for access and inclusion!
The race honors the legacy of Alex Powell, a courageous Spartan who faced significant challenges with unwavering optimism. Participants can engage in the excitement of the in-person relay on October 24 or take part in a month-long virtual component throughout October, allowing everyone to run, walk, or roll at their own pace. Whether you’re a passionate supporter of MSU or U-M, or simply an advocate for equitable access, Alex’s Great State Race is a chance to unite and make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us for a celebration of resilience and camaraderie, and together, let’s race for access and inclusion!
Organiser's Description
Each fall, on the Friday before the MichiganMichigan State football game, ROTC cadets from both universities unite to carry the game ball on a 64-mile journey from the University of Michigans 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.
ALEXS GREAT STATE RACE 2025 - GREAT RACE, GREATER PURPOSE
Join Alexs 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 MSUs 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 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
Each year on the eve of the MichiganMichigan State football game, ROTC cadets from both universities unite to carry the game ball nearly 64 miles between campuses. This symbolic relay honors Alexs story and represents the shared commitment to access and inclusion across both schools.
This is where individuals running the distance with the game ball will register, as well as those who want to follow the teams progress online throughout the day. While the running team itself is set, you can still be part of the action by tracking their journey and cheering them on virtually.
MONTH-LONG VIRTUAL COMPONENT OCTOBER 2025
Want to get involved yourself? Join the virtual race, where you can run, walk, or roll your miles anytime, anywhere during the entire month of October.
How It Works:
Register online and choose your distance.
Complete your miles at your own pace throughout October.
Submit your results through RunSignUp.
Share your photos and stories to inspire others!
WHEN REGISTERING, YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO DIRECT YOUR SUPPORT TO EITHER:
MSUs Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) [https://givingto.msu.edu/causes-to-support/crowdpower/alexs-great-state-race]
U-Ms Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services (SAAS) [https://maizeraise.umich.edu/alex-s-great-state-race-2025]
Or split your support between both
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Whether youre a Spartan, a Wolverine, or simply a supporter of equitable access, Alexs 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.
ALEXS GREAT STATE RACE 2025 - GREAT RACE, GREATER PURPOSE
Join Alexs 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 MSUs 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 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
Each year on the eve of the MichiganMichigan State football game, ROTC cadets from both universities unite to carry the game ball nearly 64 miles between campuses. This symbolic relay honors Alexs story and represents the shared commitment to access and inclusion across both schools.
This is where individuals running the distance with the game ball will register, as well as those who want to follow the teams progress online throughout the day. While the running team itself is set, you can still be part of the action by tracking their journey and cheering them on virtually.
MONTH-LONG VIRTUAL COMPONENT OCTOBER 2025
Want to get involved yourself? Join the virtual race, where you can run, walk, or roll your miles anytime, anywhere during the entire month of October.
How It Works:
Register online and choose your distance.
Complete your miles at your own pace throughout October.
Submit your results through RunSignUp.
Share your photos and stories to inspire others!
WHEN REGISTERING, YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO DIRECT YOUR SUPPORT TO EITHER:
MSUs Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) [https://givingto.msu.edu/causes-to-support/crowdpower/alexs-great-state-race]
U-Ms Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services (SAAS) [https://maizeraise.umich.edu/alex-s-great-state-race-2025]
Or split your support between both
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Whether youre a Spartan, a Wolverine, or simply a supporter of equitable access, Alexs 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.
Races
-
Virtual 64 Miles
Free
Choose which University you would like to support: Michigan State University: https://givingto.msu.edu/causes-to-support/crowdpower/alexs-great-state-race University of Michigan: https://maizeraise.umich.edu/alex-s-great-state-race-2025 While gifts are not required, we appreciate any-sized gift. -
In-Person Relay Event *UM & MSU ROTC Only*
Fri 24th October 2025 (12:00AM EDT)
Free
*For UM and MSU ROTC only
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Location
Demonstration Hall, 229 Dem Hall Rd, East Lansing, 48824, MI, United States
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