 An Open Race was new to the 2006 event, with 30 top boys and girls from around the country given the chance to compete as a team on the national level; however, they did not qualify and therefore Nike did not provide their expenses or clothing.Also new to 2006 was a revision of the course.On December 2, 2006 a Kenyan boys' team and a Kenyan girls' team were also flown in to partake in the open events; the teams dominated the North American course and showed spectators a whole new view of racing.