On the Friday before the Michigan State / Michigan Game, a group of ROTC cadets from both institutions will meet at 3:30am at the Michigan State Spartan Statue. From there, they will run the official game ball 64 miles to Ann Arbor.

This is to honor Alex Powell, a student at Michigan State University. His future was bright. Then cancer came along. Alex was treated at UM Cancer Center and UM Hospital. MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities Office was pivotal in assisting Alex Powell adjust to his classes along with his illness.

When Alex passed away the Powell family decided to launch a friendly competition between MSU and UM to see who can raise the most money. This is how Alex’s Great State Race was formed. The benefactors will be University of Michigan’s Services for Students with Disabilities, UM Cancer Center Family Support Services, and MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.