It was a picturesque autumn morning filled with crisp sunshine and vibrant seasonal colors as more than 50 participants completed the 12th annual Alex’s Great State Race at Michigan State University on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Onlookers gathered to cheer them on in the final stretch as participants crossed the finish line at the end of a 64-mile route that kicked off in the early morning hours at the University of Michigan.
History of Alex’s Great State Race
The annual race honors the legacy of Alex Powell, who was an enthusiastic Spartan at MSU while battling a cancer diagnosis. He found support through MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RPCD) with collaboration from U-M’s Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) while receiving cancer treatment from Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. On the morning before the football game between the perennial rivals, a team of ROTC cadets, student veterans, Wounded Warriors, and adaptive athletes from both MSU and U-M come together to transcend competition and travel 64 miles of Michigan back roads between the universities to present the game ball prior to kickoff. Funds raised through Alex’s Great State Race go toward the work of the MSU RPCD and U-M SAAS to support students with disabilities.
Great Race, Greater Purpose
This year’s theme was “Great Race, Greater Purpose,” and those who spoke at the event emphasized the unity, courage and resilience that the event fosters. In a time of significant division and on the day of fierce competition, Alex’s Great State Race goes beyond rivalry, bringing people together to promote access to education and resources for all students, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Partnership of Dean Trailways
Dean Trailways has been a founding sponsor and strategic partner of the event since the tradition began in 2014.
“It takes a team to make Alex’s Great State Race happen each year,” said Courtney Bollman, director of community engagement at Dean. “We are honored to be involved, providing transportation expertise and event support.”
Dean team members are proud committee members and assist with planning and coordinating logistics in preparation for the event. On race day, the Dean Trailways team includes two support motorcoaches and four drivers who travel the route with the participants and provide transportation at the end of the race for athletes from the visiting university.
For more information on the event, visit the Alex’s Great State Race website.
