Eight area fun runs and longer races joined together to attract participants, becoming the Wide Open Spaces Race Series.
A grant funded series prizes and joint advertising for the events in Esbon, Downs, Mankato, Courtland, Smith Center, Jewell, and Superior and Glen Elder, Neb. After the final event – the Jewell Corn Show Triathlon – was held in October, road warriors and series champions Katherine Klenda and Barry Curry were each awarded a $250 prize.