Dear Distance Running Fans/Athletes/Coaches/Parents,

I've gotten a few emails over the past two weeks regarding the Midwest Distance Gala. There is much speculation over this year's event and I wanted to explain what is going on with the event. 

Since 2005, the MDG has been a project of mine, working hard every year to put on the best meet possible for the athletes who participate and the fans in attendance. In the beginning, I wanted to put on an annual showcase, allowing the best distance runners in the country a chance to run fast times and providing the fans an atmosphere they couldn't find anywhere else. On most accounts, I've been happy with the results and hope that for those of you who participated (whether on the track or in the stands) have come away with a great experience.

With that said, I've decided to disband the event. The amount of time and effort it takes to putting on the Gala is pretty intense and I simply don't have the amount of energy and time to put into it any more. With that said, there is a new event that was announced called the Midwest Distance Festival. I know the organizers, and while I wish them well, please know that this event is in no way affiliated or connected with the Midwest Distance Gala. The Festival is not a continuation of the Gala, rather it is its own separate event, run by different members and this year is the start of its history. The Gala has some tremendous stories and results to its name and we want to keep those as its history.

I am proud of what the Gala staff built and want to thank everyone who's supported the event over the past seven years. It's been a great experience, there's been some great races, the fans have been the best and I really hope the Gala created an event worth remembering as time moves forward.

Thanks,

Scott Bush