Miles 4 Smiles

Event Overview

The 4th Annual Miles 4 Smiles Run/Walk 5K is back! This family-friendly, charity 5K race is professionally-timed open to community members of all ages to get involved in physical activity together, and support a positive community cause. The Miles 4 Smiles 5K raises money for our youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Leaders for Youth Sports. Founded by high school students Aanya Goel, Brianna Zhang, and Janelle Yao, Leaders for Youth Sports works to break down the financial barriers blocking children from pursuing sports through donating equipment, organizing free sports programming, hosting sports clinics, sponsoring free sports leagues, organizing field days, creating free sports camps, and more, throughout West Michigan and beyond. We believe that every child, regardless of finances, location, and other barriers, should be able to play sports to grow physically, socially, and mentally.

Race Details

• Date: August 1, 2026
• Location: 2606 Mt Olivet Rd, Kalamazoo, MI
• Race Start: 10:00 AM
• Check-in: Begins at 9:15 AM

Race Information

• Post-race Snacks: Post-race snacks and drinks are provided (pizza and snacks!)
• Prize Baskets: Prize baskets will be given out to top finishers
• Goody Bags: Each participant receives a goody bag
• Student Discounts: Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt

Additional Info

• Registration Deadline: Online registration closes July 31 at 7 PM.
• Information Packets: Sent via email on July 30, including route maps, arrival/ending times, volunteer information, etc.
• Day-of Registration: In-person registration at 9:15 AM to register day-of and pay in cash for those who did not register online.
• T-Shirts: Limited amounts of t-shirts will be sold on the day of the race for $15, paid with cash.

Our Mission

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.

Impact

Leaders for Youth Sports has directly helped over 1,000 children so far through free programming (clinics, leagues, field days, bubble runs, free equipment distributions, etc.), providing resources to safely navigate youth sports, and conducting sports equity research. Leaders for Youth Sports currently operates in Portage, Kalamazoo, Parchment, Comstock, Lawrence, and Grand Rapids. Funds raised at the Miles 4 Smiles charity 5K will go toward our youth sports programs to help more kids participate in sports in more communities.

Prizes

• Female: Categories - 17 and under, 18-45, 46+
• Male: Categories - 17 and under, 18-45, 46+

Connect with Us

• Website: leadersforyouthsports.org
• Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports

For More Information

For further details, visit the race [official page](https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kalamazoo/Miles4SmilesRunWalk?aflt_token=QZt1KFBDIiIun5smo9vi7y59qq2fNLcB).