4th Annual Miles 4 Smiles Run/Walk 5K
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 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 1st. Race begins at 10am.
- More info Online registration closes July 31st at 7pm. In formation packets via email on July 30th. These packets include route maps, arrival/ending times, volunteer information, etc.
- For those who do not register online by July 31st 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 participate for free with a registered participant!
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
Instagram: @leadersforyouthsports