Miles 4 Smiles
- Date Sat 11th October 2025
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Portage, Michigan
- Price $22.20 - $34.92
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exciting day of fun and fitness at the annual Miles 4 Smiles Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, in beautiful Portage, Kalamazoo! This community-focused charity event invites participants of all ages to join in the race, with the primary aim of raising funds for Leaders for Youth Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down financial barriers in youth sports. The professionally timed 5K run/walk starts at 10 AM, following a check-in at 9 AM, and promises a fantastic atmosphere filled with camaraderie and support for a great cause.
Participants can look forward to delicious post-race snacks, including pizza and coffee, as well as unique handmade medals crafted by local elementary students for the top finishers. Every participant will receive a goody bag filled with goodies and prizes, including chances to win family memberships to the Bronson Athletic Club and more! Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, the Miles 4 Smiles 5K is the perfect opportunity to get active, make a difference, and promote accessibility in youth sports. Don’t miss out on this joyful event that not only celebrates health and community but also empowers future leaders!
Participants can look forward to delicious post-race snacks, including pizza and coffee, as well as unique handmade medals crafted by local elementary students for the top finishers. Every participant will receive a goody bag filled with goodies and prizes, including chances to win family memberships to the Bronson Athletic Club and more! Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, the Miles 4 Smiles 5K is the perfect opportunity to get active, make a difference, and promote accessibility in youth sports. Don’t miss out on this joyful event that not only celebrates health and community but also empowers future leaders!
Organiser's Description
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 [http://leadersforyouthsports.org] (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
timer clock 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.)
Student discounts offered! Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt
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 pm
* Participants 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 9 am to register day-of and pay in cash.
* Limited amounts of t-shirts will be sold on the day of the race for $15, paid with cash.
* 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
Male
* 17 and under: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat
* 18-45: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat
* 46+: 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 [http://leadersforyouthsports.org]
Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports
TikTok: @leadersforyouthsports
Facebook: Leaders for Youth Sports
Youtube: Leaders for Youth Sports (@LeadersforYouthSports)
Twitter: @lyfsofficial
RACE INFORMATION
timer clock 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.)
Student discounts offered! Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt
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 pm
* Participants 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 9 am to register day-of and pay in cash.
* Limited amounts of t-shirts will be sold on the day of the race for $15, paid with cash.
* 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
Male
* 17 and under: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat
* 18-45: Bronson Athletic Club Family Membership, Waiting Room hat
* 46+: 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 [http://leadersforyouthsports.org]
Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports
TikTok: @leadersforyouthsports
Facebook: Leaders for Youth Sports
Youtube: Leaders for Youth Sports (@LeadersforYouthSports)
Twitter: @lyfsofficial
Races
-
Registration + Shirt
Incl. $2.92 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 11th October 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$34.92
OPENS 08 AUGSave money with this deal and guarantee a shirt! $7 off student discount code: StudentDiscountShirt -
Registration Only
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sat 11th October 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$22.20
OPENS 08 AUGRegular shirt price: 15 dollars $5 off student discount code: StudentDiscount
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Miles 4 Smiles
