Miles 4 Smiles

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2606 Mt Olivet Rd, Kalamazoo MI

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

🏃‍♂️ Miles 4 Smiles Run/Walk 5K

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 treats: Snacks and drinks are provided (pizza and coffee!).
Medals: Handmade medals created by students of Portage Central Elementary will be given out to top finishers.
Prizes: Prize baskets will be awarded to top finishers.
Goody bags: Each participant receives a goody bag (five-day pass to the Bronson Athletic Club, coupons, toothbrush, etc.).
Student discounts: Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt.
Shirt guarantee: Guarantee a shirt by purchasing online.
Check-in: Begins at 9 am on October 20th. Race starts at 10 am.

ℹ️ More Info

Registration deadline: Online registration closes October 19th at 7 pm.
Information packets: Participants will receive via email on October 19th, including route maps, times, volunteer info, etc.
Day-of registration: For those who do not register online, come in person at 9 am to register and pay in cash.
T-shirts: Limited amounts will be sold on race day for $15, paid by cash.
Free entry: Children under the age of 5 years old are free!

🤝 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 Prizes

17 and under: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Kids Gym Basket, Waiting Room hat.
18-45: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat.
46+: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat.