Miles 4 Smiles - Kalamazoo, MI

The annual Miles 4 Smiles Run/Walk 5K is back! This family-friendly, charity 5K race is open to all community members and raises money for our youth-led nonprofit Leaders for Youth Sports (formerly known as Aid For All). Join us as we break down the financial barriers blocking children from pursuing the sports they love. 

 

Race Information

⏲ Professionally timed race with a breakdown of time per kilometer

🍌 Post-race snacks and drinks are provided (pizza and coffee!)

🏅 Handmade medals created by students of Portage Central Elementary, taught by Ms. Cucksey, will be given out to top finishers

🏆 Prize baskets will be given out to top finishers

🛍️ Each participant receives a goody bag (five-day pass to the Bronson Athletic Club, coupons, toothbrush, etc.)

👕 Guarantee a shirt by purchasing online

🗓 Check-in begins at 9am on October 20th. Race begins at 10am.

 

More info Online registration closes October 19th at 7 pmParticipants will receive information packets via email on October 19th. These packets include route maps, arrival/ending times, volunteer information, etc. For those who do not register online by October 19th at 7 pm, come in person at 8:30 am to register day-of and pay in cash or a check written out to "Leaders for Youth Sports" with "Miles 4 Smiles 5K" written in the memo.Limited amounts of t-shirts will be sold on the day of the race for $15, paid with cash or check.Children under the age of 5 years old are free!Interested in making a food, water, or othere donation? Please contact us via the "Race Contact Info" section of this page. We sincerely appreciate all donations to help our event run smoothly!

 

Who We Are

Leaders for Youth Sports is a youth-led nonprofit founded by local high school students Brianna Zhang, Janelle Yao, and Aanya Goel. As dancers, tennis players, and soccer players facing financial barriers to playing sports, our mission is to make youth sports more accessible and build future leaders. According to a 2022 study by the financial services company LendingTree, 60% of families experience financial strain from their children's sports. Due to their high cost from classes to equipment and transportation, sports are a financial strain on many families. Sports extracurriculars are vital to the healthy development of children, contributing to their physical fitness, cognitive skills, social life, emotional well-being, leadership abilities, and so much more. Thousands of children have to grow up without access to these integral developmental activities, and Leaders for Youth Sports is empowering young leaders to take action and help kids in their own communities. 

Funds raised at the Miles 4 Smiles charity 5K will go toward our youth sports programs (such as distributing equipment) and expanding our mission to more communities. 

 

Prizes 

Female (age categories decided later)

Category 1: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Kids Gym Basket, Waiting Room hatCategory 2: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hatCategory 3: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat

Male

Category 1: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hatCategory 2: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hatCategory 3: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat

A class pack valued at $199 from OrangeTheory will also be given out to a winner.

  Connect with Us

Website: leadersforyouthsports.org

Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports

TikTok: @leadersforyouthsports

Facebook: Leaders for Youth Sports

Youtube: Leaders for Youth Sports (@LeadersforYouthSports)

Twitter: @lyfsofficial