Miles 4 Smiles
- Date Sat 1st August 2026
- Time 10:00AM EDT
- Location Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Price $22.20 - $34.92
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
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Event summary
Join us for the annual Miles 4 Smiles Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Kalamazoo! This exciting, family-friendly charity event invites community members of all ages to participate in a fun-filled day that promotes health and wellness while supporting a fantastic cause. All proceeds from the race benefit the youth-led nonprofit Leaders for Youth Sports, founded by local high school students who are dedicated to breaking down financial barriers for children pursuing sports.
The race kicks off at 10 AM, with check-in starting at 9:15 AM. Participants can relish post-race snacks, including delicious pizza and treats, and have the chance to win fantastic prize baskets. Don’t forget to register early for a goody bag and to guarantee your event shirt! With discounted rates for students and free registration for kids under 5, this event is perfect for families looking to make a positive impact in their community. Lace up your running shoes and join us for a day of smiles and movement in Kalamazoo!
The race kicks off at 10 AM, with check-in starting at 9:15 AM. Participants can relish post-race snacks, including delicious pizza and treats, and have the chance to win fantastic prize baskets. Don’t forget to register early for a goody bag and to guarantee your event shirt! With discounted rates for students and free registration for kids under 5, this event is perfect for families looking to make a positive impact in their community. Lace up your running shoes and join us for a day of smiles and movement in Kalamazoo!
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 501(c)(3) nonprofit Leaders for Youth Sports [http://leadersforyouthsports.org]. 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, and more throughout West Michigan.
RACE INFORMATION
Post-race snacks and drinks are provided (pizza and snacks!)
Prize baskets will be given out to top finishers
Each participant receives a goody bag
Student discounts offered! Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt
Kids under age 5 register for free
Guarantee a shirt by purchasing online
Check-in begins at 9:15am on August 8th. Race begins at 10am.
MORE INFO
* Online registration closes August 7th at 7pm.
* Information packets via email on August 7th. These packets include route maps, arrival/ending times, volunteer information, etc.
* For those who do not register online by August 7th at 7 pm, come in person at 9:15 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.
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
* 17 and under
* 18-45
* 46+
Male
* 17 and under
* 18-45
* 46+
CONNECT WITH US
Website: leadersforyouthsports.org [http://leadersforyouthsports.org]
Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports
RACE INFORMATION
Post-race snacks and drinks are provided (pizza and snacks!)
Prize baskets will be given out to top finishers
Each participant receives a goody bag
Student discounts offered! Use code "StudentDiscount" for Registration Only or "StudentDiscountShirt" for Registration + Shirt
Kids under age 5 register for free
Guarantee a shirt by purchasing online
Check-in begins at 9:15am on August 8th. Race begins at 10am.
MORE INFO
* Online registration closes August 7th at 7pm.
* Information packets via email on August 7th. These packets include route maps, arrival/ending times, volunteer information, etc.
* For those who do not register online by August 7th at 7 pm, come in person at 9:15 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.
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
* 17 and under
* 18-45
* 46+
Male
* 17 and under
* 18-45
* 46+
CONNECT WITH US
Website: leadersforyouthsports.org [http://leadersforyouthsports.org]
Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports
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2606 Mt Olivet Rd, Kalamazoo, 49004, MI, United States
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Miles 4 Smiles
