Miles 4 Smiles

Past Event

2606 Mt Olivet Rd, Kalamazoo MI

Sunday, October 20th, 2024

🏃‍♂️ 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

Timing: Professionally timed race with a breakdown of time per kilometer
Refreshments: Post-race snacks and drinks are provided (pizza and coffee!)
Medals: Handmade medals created by students of Portage Central Elementary, taught by Ms. Cucksey, will be given out to top finishers
Goodies: Each participant receives a goody bag (five-day pass to the Bronson Athletic Club, coupons, toothbrush, etc.)

📋 Additional Details

Discounts: Student discounts offered! Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt
Shirts: Guarantee a shirt by purchasing online
Check-in: Check-in begins at 9am on October 20th. Race begins at 10am.
Registration: Online registration closes October 19th at 7 pm

🔍 More Information

Information Packets: Participants will receive information packets via email on October 19th. These packets include route maps, arrival/ending times, volunteer information, etc.
Day-of Registration: For those who do not register online by October 19th at 7 pm, come in person at 9 am to register day-of and pay in cash.
T-Shirts: Limited amounts of t-shirts will be sold on the day of the race for $15, paid with cash.
Kids: 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

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